I recently had a phone call with my son, Bennett. He started off by saying, “Mom, do you believe that God gives you signs in somewhat strange ways.” Excited to answer and eager to find out why I told him that often God would get my attention in ways only I may understand.
There was a short pause, and he said, “Let me tell you what happened.” I don’t know about other moms, but when my son calls me out of the blue with a question like that and asks to have a conversation about it, my heart skips a beat. I sit up a little taller and feel a rush of excitement.
My son is very independent, and l I usually find out about any decisions he’s made after the fact. I take great delight in the times he wants to tell me about something, especially when he believes he’s receiving confirmation from the Lord.
He went on to tell me how he has been in prayer and deep thought about a career decision he’s been struggling with for quite some time. He said, “I was driving along the interstate thinking and praying. I looked up and on the back of this box truck was… the answer. Do you think God would show me this in such a way, or is it just a silly coincidence?”
I asked him what his initial response was when he saw it, and he said, “I laughed and thought, okay, Lord.”
We talked for almost an hour. We ended the conversation with him choosing to continue to pray and seek wisdom from God on the matter.
The truth is that I often ask God to reveal things to me. God cares for so deeply and knows me so well that He answers in ways only I may understand. This confirmation could come in an intimate time of prayer, through song, in a conversation with a friend, or yes, even in giant words on the back of a box truck!
When we are in earnest prayer and contemplation about God’s plan for our life, I believe He will honor and bless that obedience. There is a distinct difference between making decisions based on what I want versus what God wants.
I’ve done both. I’ve been so selfish at times and made decisions that I knew were driven by the flesh. I’ve also made decisions based on what I believe was God’s will. I can tell you without reservation that the fruit produced from the two was very different. I just wonder how many proverbial burning bushes I’ve ignored because I was so narrowly focused on the scorched earth.
I’m not confident in a lot of things, but I know for absolute certainty that God is faithful, and He is working all things in my life. Even pain and struggle work for the good and His glory. He will reveal things to us in ways that, at the time, may seem small and insignificant. He also may choose to spell it out for us in giant letters on the back of a big truck.
There was a comedian several years ago whose tagline was “Here’s your sign.” He would allude to the fact that sometimes we ask questions when the obvious answer is right in front of us.
Psalm 37:23-24 says,
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. “
Hebrews 2:4, “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. “
Whatever sign you are seeking or have potentially received- always begin with prayer; always compare it with the living word of God. He is faithful, and His word is consistent and true.
God will not leave us without guidance and confirmation. It is up to us to pay attention to it in our daily lives.
Lynn Fulwider
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#lynnfulwiderblogs