My friend has a habit of asking God for signs. In doing so, His prayers tend to seek confirmation of his feelings, as in “God, if You want me to do ‘X,’ then please do ‘Y,’ and I’ll know it’s OK.”
Not surprisingly, this has created a dilemma. For my friend feels that he should get back with his ex-girlfriend, based on the way he prays. His ex, on the other hand, feels strongly that God has told them not to get back together. Ah, feelings.
Jesus told the religious leaders of His day: “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign” (Matthew 16:4). But He wasn’t making a blanket statement to prevent anyone from seeking God’s guidance. Rather, Jesus was accusing them of ignoring the clear prophecies that told them He was the Messiah.
Proverbs gives us an abundance of direct signs as to how to live our lives. Solomon, who wrote most verses in the book, gave these instructions to his son: “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you” (Proverbs 3:3). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). To drive his point home, Solomon concluded: “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:7).
God wants us to seek His guidance in prayer (James 1:5). He has given us the instruction of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) and His Word, the Bible (1 Thessalonians 2:13). He gives us mentors and wise leaders. He’s also given us the ultimate example seen in Jesus (Philippians 2:4-5).
It’s wise to ask God for clear direction. But our prayers should never be formulaic attempts to manipulate God. Real Christianity is not a system; it’s a relationship with Jesus Himself.
More:
Read Romans 8:1-17 to learn about the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding our lives and decisions. In Matthew 16:1-4, what do you think is the “sign of Jonah”? (v.4).
Next:
How do you seek God’s guidance? Are your prayers sometimes attempts to manipulate Him? How well are you obeying God’s Word?
AManofGod on February 7, 2011 at 2:52 am
This is a hard lesson that we all have to learn. Quite often we seek God’s stamp of approval on our actions…..we are seeking Him to OK us doing what we want to do instead of seeking Him to direct us in what He wants us to do! The two things are not the same!
I am learning to come to God and ask Him to direct my actions rather that approve of my actions! In this way I know I will follow His lead and not my own!
Be Blessed!
AManofGod
Tyla808 on February 7, 2011 at 4:27 am
There is a saying: “Insanity is when you keep doing the same things, expecting different results.”
I think perhaps many new born-again believers may use the “sign” method of trying to make out how they should live their lives, it allows them to believe that God is “in control” of their lives. It also puts the sole responsibility on whether the decision brings forth good or bad consequences on God.
As we mature though, an elder brother or sister in the Lord or a leader of the church should have done a lesson or a teaching or even took aside some of these new believers and let them know that God’s Kingdom does not operate in that way. At least not all the time.
Even for myself, I didn’t use signs necessarily but I did try and figure out a methodology or system that I could use to find out what was God’s Will and how I could make godly decisions…and I found out the hard way through several trials and all errors that God’s Way is truly way above MY strategic way of thinking and there is no one step-by-step plan that works. God does things and uses people differently in all situations and we can never think that something He did for us in a situation 2 years ago would work for a similar situation today.
It’s only through prayer and reading His word (relationship with God) and at times confirmation through godly peers and leaders that that we can follow God’s Will and make godly decisions.
Tim, you are spot on!
Thank you 🙂
cspevacek on February 7, 2011 at 5:54 am
Some times when we are overwhelmed with a situation and we are desperately seeking God for answers, we may asks for a sign just to reassure ourselves. New and old Christians alike may fall into what I call the “burning bush” trap, we want someone or something of this world to assure us that we are not alone and that all is well. As we grow in faith we can find that assurance in scripture and the peace that comes with knowing He is always with us. Psalm 42:11 has been my comfort and assurance in many challenging situations. Many Blessings to all!
jstabel on February 7, 2011 at 8:26 am
Seeking ‘signs of approval from God’ was a ‘crime’ I was guilty of until recently I realised am expected to follow just His instructions and not make Him approve and follow my way.Proverbs 3 provides the platform for our daily journey and choices.THANKS.
mysavinggrace on February 7, 2011 at 8:28 am
WOW. This devotional reminds me of myself! I’ve been guilty of asking God for signs and giving him few of MY options. A few times, I was so sure He was answering my prayers, but they ultimately came up to nothing. Now that I look back, it was those times when I actually got down on my knees and earnestly sought His will that He revealed Himself to me and not when I was wrapped up in my own self-consciousness. Trust God, He knows best.
eppistle on February 7, 2011 at 8:32 am
Since the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, we need to saturate our minds with the Scriptures so that we build up a database in which the Holy Spirit can bring to our minds His thoughts. Instead of seeking for signs, it’s better to study the Scriptures.
Brianbenyosef on February 7, 2011 at 9:06 am
Thank you Tim for this great devotional. Every day I pray for GOD to guild my head,heart, hands, and feet as I try to walk in the light. My problem is that I have little patience. I do not know his will, but I try to wait on the lord. I don’t need any signs. All I have to do is look at nature and I know he is here. I have been praying for a specific thing for some time now. I am trying to be patient but it is so hard. I have been waiting for thirty years now. That is probably a second to GOD but for me a lifetime. I do not doubt I will get an answer some day. I just have little patience to wait. Bless you and please give me some insight.
tim gustafson on February 7, 2011 at 10:07 am
Wow! You guys are really speaking to my heart! Thanks everyone, for these comments.
I have to admit that I have asked God for a clear sign, and He has definitely stepped in and showed Himself to be GOD. But I have learned not to live my life seeking for a sign. Day by day, God gives us what we need as we look to Him in simple faith. His love is enough.
sowharvest on February 7, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Wow Tim your message was on time. I too have often asked GOD for a sign in hopes that he will “approve” what I have I decided to do. But I am truly learning that GOD does not operate that way. That’s not to say that GOD will not give us signs or do something [we deem to be miraculous]. Yet I NOW get that HE answers our quest for signs via HIS WORD. You see Tim I have learned to seek HIM on which way to turn and what to do and without fail some scripture or teaching will come to mind or I’ll be lead to read. And in those readings, those “signs”{SMILE} I have seen his hand. But Lord knows this journey is not complete and every trial and challenge brings a new awareness of GOD’s presence in all things. Hey I got up this morning!!. Peace and love to you all.
daisymarygoldr on February 7, 2011 at 6:03 pm
The word “adulterous” is used in a spiritual sense to describe those who are unfaithful to God. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the unbelieving religious leaders of Jesus’ day asked for a sign to prove that He was indeed the prophesied Messiah. But in reality they wanted to prove that He was doing those miracles through the power of the devil.
Even today, Christians are guilty of adultery when we lose faith and in unbelief we demand a sign from God to prove His existence or when we want Him to prove His love for us. The very fact that God gave us His Son who rose up from the dead on the third day is proof enough for us to know that He has loved us with an everlasting love.
In my life, I did ask the Lord for specific signs to confirm whether I was marrying the right man. Of course, I did not ask to see a rainbow or a butterfly. All three things were impossible and were made possible only by God. And that helped me know that it is not just my romantic feelings but it is God who is directing my steps in marriage.
Also, in posting my comments here at ODJ, I had asked God for signs at 3 different times. Whenever I had prayed for a sign, the Lord had answered immediately the next day. I had asked for a unique devotional topic based on a certain scriptural passage, once it was for a particular response and in another instance I had prayed for someone to affirm one of my comments with some very specific words.
So again, it was nothing out of the ordinary but something that cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. After a bad experience I had lost all confidence to take part in blog conversations. And I had really needed some assurance—to make sure the Holy Spirit is the one who is leading me to speak—and that I am doing not mine but His will.
Jesus answered His disciples’ request for the signs of His coming (Matt. 24:3). If we ask God for a sign to affirm something that pertains to His Kingdom and does not contradict with His Word but is in accordance to His Will, He will surely answer such prayers.