SIGNS

How often do we just want a sign from God?  A sign that He heard our prayer or that He is with us?  The truth is that we are surrounded by these signs, but they are not as obvious as we want them to be, so often times we miss them.  

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

Sure, we probably haven’t received a sign as recognizable as the one Mary received when the angel appeared to her and said, “Do not be afraid,Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31).  

However, I believe that it is when we stop “searching” for the signs and trust in our faith when God provides. He provided a sign when Mary wasn’t looking and He definitely provided a sign to the shepherds in the field that night. The shepherds were tending to their flock, not searching for a sign from God, but God provided it anyway – through another angel.

God isn’t always transparent. In fact, He can be quite mysterious.  However, if He was obvious would we really need faith?  Hebrews says that “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Faith doesn’t need signs, but Love provides them anyway.

REFLECTION

Think about a time when you really wanted a sign from God.  Did you receive it?  Now think of a time when He provided one without you asking.  Meditate on that memory.