Signs are wonderful things. They can convey all sorts of important information to anyone who can interpret the message.

When driving in Italy for the first time, traffic signs that were meaningful to the locals were unclear to me. It was an unnerving experience. In unfamiliar or confusing territory, directional signs take on critical importance. The same is true in our faith walk.

When dealing with knotty decisions it is not unusual to ask for a clear sign from God. However, if something happens that seems to point to one choice or the other, we wonder if this is truly God’s leading. Could it be wishful thinking, misinterpretation, or even random coincidence? We become frustrated and petition God for something bold; nothing less than “a hand writing on the wall” will do.

I truly believe that God does speak to us today; He speaks through the Bible, first of all. If our choice or situation is addressed in His word, we don’t need to ask for signs or wonders. The clearly recognizable signs such as Stop, Wait, and Yield are there for all to see. He speaks to us through that still small voice of conscience, as well.

While it is human nature to want a clear, unambiguous, unavoidable sign posted at each of life’s intersections, that is not God’s way.

Before He gave us the clear message of His Word and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God anointed prophets to interpret His signs to the people.

Those of us who are not prophets do not have the skills of interpretation to let us know if a leaf blown across our path is a sign from God to turn around, or a sign that it is a windy day. We must rely on our knowledge of God’s Word and sensitivity to His leading through the Holy Spirit.

If I am stymied by my options in a situation, perhaps I just need to get back to those basics and trust God to carry me through.

What’s my sign?  I think I’ll choose One Way: God’s way.

Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)