Navigating Life's journey

Signs, Faith, and God's Will

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, unsure of which path to take. We yearn for clear signs, unmistakable indicators that point us in the right direction. But what if the signs we seek are already all around us, and we've simply overlooked them?

Consider the world around us. From the intricate design of a flower to the vast expanse of the cosmos, creation itself speaks of a Creator. The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom and guidance, stands as a testament to God's communication with humanity. And perhaps most powerfully, we see the impact of faith in the transformed lives of believers all around us.

Yet, even with these signs, many still struggle to believe. We're reminded of a moment in history when Jesus was asked to provide a sign to prove His identity. His response? "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." This reference to Jonah's three days in the belly of a great fish foreshadowed Jesus' own death and resurrection – the ultimate sign of God's love and power.

But why do we crave signs so desperately? Often, it's because we want certainty, an undeniable proof that eliminates the need for faith. We want the spiritual equivalent of a GPS, telling us exactly where to go and how to get there. However, as Chuck Smith wisely noted, "God will give enough evidence to believe, but not enough that faith isn't required."

This truth is beautifully illustrated in the stories of Moses and Gideon. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses hesitated, asking for signs to confirm God's call. God graciously provided signs – a staff turning into a serpent, a hand becoming leprous and then healed – not just for the Israelites' benefit, but to bolster Moses' own faith. Similarly, Gideon, feeling inadequate to lead an army, asked God for signs involving a fleece. In both cases, God provided enough evidence to believe, but still required these men to step out in faith.

It's crucial to understand that seeking signs should not be our default mode of spiritual navigation. Instead, we should primarily rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom found in God's Word. When we do ask for a sign, it should be in response to what God has already revealed to us, not as a way to determine His will from scratch.

Consider the cautionary tale Jesus shared about a person freed from demonic possession. The individual, relieved to be free, cleans up their life outwardly but fails to fill the inner void with God's presence. The result? The demon returns, bringing seven others more wicked than itself. This story serves as a stark reminder that external changes, while good, are not enough. True transformation comes from allowing God to occupy the space in our lives once filled by darkness.

This principle applies not just to extreme cases of possession, but to our everyday choices. When we sense God leading us in a certain direction, yet choose to go our own way, we often find ourselves in difficult situations. It would have been far better to follow God's leading from the start.

So how do we navigate life with Jesus more effectively? The key lies in setting our hearts to do God's will. Jesus Himself said, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." This statement reveals that our true connection to Christ is demonstrated through our obedience to God's will.

But what if we're unsure of God's will in a specific situation? Here's where many of us get stuck. We focus so intently on discerning God's will for a particular decision that we overlook the many aspects of His will that are clearly revealed in Scripture. Loving our enemies, forgiving those who wrong us, serving others – these are all part of God's will for our lives, clearly stated in His Word.

The truth is, if we're not living out God's known will in our daily lives, how can we expect to discern His will in specific situations? It's like trying to navigate a complex maze without first learning to walk in a straight line.

To truly navigate life with Jesus, we must commit our hearts to following God's will as revealed in Scripture. We should immerse ourselves in His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us through it. Prayer should be our constant companion, not just when we're facing big decisions, but in every aspect of our lives.

And if, after prayer and seeking God's guidance through His Word, we still feel the need for a sign, let it be in light of what God has already revealed to us. Don't seek a sign just for the sake of having one, but as a confirmation of what God has been speaking to your heart.

Remember, our goal isn't to become dependent on signs, but to grow in our dependence on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. As we do this, we'll find ourselves better equipped to navigate life's journey, making decisions that align with God's will and purpose for our lives.

In the end, the most important sign we can look for is the evidence of God's work in our own hearts. Are we growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? These fruits of the Spirit are the surest signs that we're on the right path, following closely in the footsteps of Jesus.

As we journey through life, let's not get caught up in seeking spectacular signs. Instead, let's open our eyes to the countless ways God is already guiding us through His creation, His Word, and His Spirit. By setting our hearts to do His will and trusting in His guidance, we can navigate life's path with confidence, knowing that we're walking hand in hand with the One who knows the way perfectly.