What miraculous sign can you show us?
John 2:18, NIV
Journeys require signs to keep us going in the right direction. Our discipleship journeys are no different. We need signs to keep us headed toward the destination. But we need to look for the right signs.
God gives us signs but not always the ones we want. We want handwriting on the wall or at least an email. We want something tangible, something we can’t misunderstand. We look for certainty and set our own standards for finding it.
But the journey to follow Jesus is a faith journey. Belief begins in the heart, not the head. It’s not what you know and how much you know, but Who you know and how much of your heart He has. The Keeper of our hearts will give us signs our hearts can understand. Not by feelings we connect with emotion. Real signs that only He can give.
Peace
Peace is a sign. Not circumstantial peace that simply removes whatever triggered our fear or stress. This peace comes despite circumstantial distress. This is not a substitute peace we talk ourselves into. because we’re supposed to have peace. This peace happens deep inside in a way that defies explanation. It’s the peace that takes us through times without answers. It’s the peace that doesn’t make sense
against our circumstances but makes sense in our heart where God is in charge.
Hope
Hope is another sign. God always gives us a reason to hope. God never promised we would find His hope there. It is always in Him. We take another look at who God is and what He knows. Then, when hope comes, we can use it as a sign because we’re already headed in the right direction—toward God.
Timing
Timing is another sign. However, it can be easy to miss and misuse. Jesus talked more
than once about his timing. He only acted when it was time to act. Certain actions, attitudes, and circumstances had to come together for it to be his time. He never told us what all the signs were; he just told us that he listened to his Father for confirmation. For us Western World time-followers, this is hard to practice. It is even harder when we add manipulation and control to the equation. Instead, we use the spiritual eyes of our heart as our timepiece. We look for a coming together of factors that are not within our control to bring together. That’s when we see God behind it all and our heart knows the answer: it is time.
These are three of the most important signs I look for. They serve me better than what might seem easier to confirm. They move me forward in difficult times, because that’s what God’s signs do: they move us forward . . . toward Him, always toward Him.
Where have you seen these signs and followed them? Where have you missed them? Return to them today and you will find your way to the cross.
Picture: geralt
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