Be Prepared.

Ever prayed and asked God for a sign or a revelation? I'm sure you have. We all have.
And we aren't alone.

Even Gideon back in the Old Testament who could speak one on one with the Lord asked for signs from Him.

Then Gideon said to him, "If you would, please give me some proof that you really are the Lord"
(Judges 6:17).

See, it is just human nature for us to desire proof that something will happen or to ask for help with chosing what needs to happen. We don't know the answers to everything, obviously, and even though most times we turn to other humans to help us, our best bet is to always ask God.

Me personally I know when it comes to asking God about situations there are some serious times I come to him and some not-so-serious times. Let me explain.

Not-so-serious time: "I really need a sign from God to let me know whether or not I should make this road trip with my girls this weekend. I mean, I know I have a few bills coming up, but I'm sure I could still manage to pay them if I don't go shopping on the trip (lie)!"
This is one of those "I already know what I should do, but I just need to say it out loud or go over it in my head a few times to realize I already know what to do."

Serious time: "God, I just don't know about accepting this job. I know I have been praying for a new job, but I am still uneasy about all that comes with it. Please give me some type of sign to help me be more clear about making this decision." I feel like this is the type of sign is where we really need God to step in and control our actions.

Now when I say not so serious and serious, I don't mean that one is important and the other one isn't. But, everytime we desire a sign doesn't mean we actually need one. Sometimes we just need reinforcement.

I mean come on now. Any working adult woman who pays bills and likes to shop knows the temptation that comes with a girls' trip and the lie that comes with telling yourself you won't shop. Like seriously, there is no need to lie to yourself like that. Not to downplay this situation because this might truly be important to someone in need of a quick getaway and this might be the only opprotunity they get to for awhile. We all know how that can be. But that's when I feel like God blesses you with the "sign" of priorities and rational thinking.

Now, the serious times are those we all see how important or necessary it is to leave certain situations strictly in God's hands. We have to step back and allow God to reveal himself in whatever way He deems necessary. These are times that require us to truly stop, look and listen.

A lot of preparation comes into play when asking God for a sign and most importantly having faith that He will reveal one. Don't get me wrong, we don't need to do anything for God to work. But it requires us to prepare our hearts to receive the answer that He's going to give us the way He is going to give it because all revelations aren't rainbows and fluffy unicorns.

Once again, let me explain:

Anyone who knows me and George for real knows our relationship has not always been the easiest. In the beginning we had a true peanut gallery in the midst of our relationship. And let's just say the majority of the time the comments made weren't "for us." So I dealt with a lot of doubts in the beginning. I mean, I was very wayward at first. See, I knew I loved George, but I knew I had been in love before and maybe everybody was right about us not needing to be together. So many nights and days I prayed asking God what to do. He revealed to me time after time after time that George was the one. The sacrifices George made. The time, money, effort and most of all the love he gave were my constant signs that he was suppose to be my hubs.

While those signs were more positive I have definitely dealt with some not-so-positive signs. These have knocked me off my feet. They have completely humbled me. They have scared me. Shocked me. And let's just say I was not prepared. I never yearned for God to reveal things that would cause me to react this way, but who does?

Many women ask God if they will be able to conceive but I don't know who would want to find out by having a miscarriage. No fiance' prays that God will reveal if their fiance' is truly ready for marriage by receiving the "we need to talk" call.

I look at these not-so-positive signs as tough love. Sometimes God has to do these things so we rely strictly on Him. He has to make it to where we don't question Him. Anymore. At all. Period. Although these things may hurt, they are so necessary.

So, next time you find yourself praying for a sign from God,
take heed to the words from Scar from The Lion King, "Be prepared." (You have to sing it in his voice too. LOL.)


Brittany