Out of the Woods

I am often jealous of people in the bible.  Sure we get to know the whole story and get the big picture, but they got to see it all happen.  They got to see the Red Sea part and the axhead float.  They got to taste the wine made by Jesus and touch the wombs of his body.  They also asked for a bunch of crazy signs to discover God's will or confirm God's prophet.  That what I would really like to have available.

In Genesis 9, God's promise not to destroy the earth with water was sealed by a never before seen rainbow.  In 2 Kings 20 God hears Hezekiah's prayer and decides to spare his life.  Hezekiah asks for a sign to prove the prophet was right.  Moses was both shown signs and used as God's messager confirmed by signs.  These are just a few examples.  I'm sure you can think of many others.  If signs have been helpful for the faithful in the past, is it reasonable for us to ask for them today? 

Just to be clear, I'm not talking about the Gifts of the Spirit.  That's  topic all by itself.  I'm instead talking about the "Lord if you want me to do this, give me a sign," kind of prayer.  "Lord, if its Your will that I marry this man, show me a sign.  Like put a rainbow ini the sky," or "Lord, I'm about to take this new job, unless you give me a sign that I shouldn't."  Clear "signs" would make life easier, but God has been more subtle in his approach to us.  Instead of getting involved in our coin flipping, he provides guidance through His Word.  Do we have to work to get it?  You bet.  God knows if He merely gives us signs we won't do the hardwork of researching and studying His Word.  God also knows if we don't study His Word, we will miss out on developing a strong relationship with Him.