signs...

puzzled? lost?

ask God for signs. there's nothing wrong. Gideon asked for signs.
and in cases like me, where thoughts of statistical explanations come up (ie: it'll most likely happen or there's a high chance of it happening), ask God for BIG signs. Gideon asked for a second sign as confirmation. God understands our sincere doubts whenever we sincerely ask. God will show you.

BUT also remember, when we have asked for signs, believe and follow the action for that sign when it is given. if not, what is the point of asking for a sign if you have already 'kind of' decided in your heart what to do. it makes no difference if a sign is given to you because you are not believing and following it.

i remember reading in the Case of Faith by Lee Strobel. imagine this happening.

one day, while John was walking down the street leading his own life, suddenly thick clouds appear and the sky turned dark filled with booming thunder and flashes of lightning. the strong wind was blowing things apart. and then the clouds parted and bright light streamed down upon John. and a Zeus-like figure with a bright shining face and mighty body appeared.
and with a mighty magnificent voice, said,"Behold John. I am God and I exist. I now appear in front of you. Now, believe".

what do you think will be John's reaction? would he believe?
it could be a yes. but think about it, if its a no and why.

if John does not want to believe, even if that happens, he will still not believe. he will probably find a way to 'get around it' or an excuse. 'oh, a hallucination' or 'i must be imagining things' or 'must be some special hollywood effects' or 'its must be a Punk'd or Candid Camera programme. so i better act as if nothing happened so that the joke will be on them.'
and so, he will just continue on his daily life, not wanting to act upon it.

this portion in the book was relating to when we ask God to give more obvious signs so that everyone will believe (and also another topic). even if God gives the most obvious signs, if you are just going to make multiple 'going arounds' or explanations as long as it doesn't refer to God, then there is no point in giving the sign.

we have the joy and advantage of asking a Guide for directions. but if we, in our hearts are not going to follow the directions, why bother to ask in the first place?

we are not perfect. that's why it requires faith and obedience.