Signs and Wonders

Day two hundred thirty-eight

There are some people in my life that need some prayer power to help them get through the rough times they are in.  My prayer was focused on their needs and a plea for the Lord to give them the comfort and peace that they are seeking right now.  I also asked the Lord to bless me with opportunities to serve these people and to be the example that they need me to be in their lives.

1 Samuel 14
There was one verse that I couldn't let go of today as I read this chapter, it was verse 10. 

"But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the Lord hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us."

It was the last line of the verse that kept gnawing at me "and this shall be a sign unto us." Signs from God, that sounded like a topic worth digging a little deeper into.  I think at some point in our lives we all look for a sign from God to guide us, direct us, or to help us believe.  I had some questions that I needed to find answers for.  Here are some of my notes and thoughts.

What are signs?
Signs are events or experiences that demonstrate the power of God. They are often miraculous. They identify and announce great events, such as the Savior's birth, death, and Second Coming. They remind the children of God of covenants the Lord has made with them. Signs may also bear witness of a divine calling or indicate the Lord's disapproval. (Study by Topic)

What signs have we read about so far? 

The sun stood still at Joshua's command (Joshua 10:12-14 ); Water flowed from a rock when Moses struck it (Exodus 17:5, 7); The Red Sea parted so that God's people could cross (Exodus 14:22);  The waters were turned to blood (Exodus 7:17);  Aaron 's rod blossomed (Numbers 17:1-9); Baalam's donkey spoke (Numbers 22:23-30);  Moses' rod became a serpent; his hand became temporarily leprous when he put his hand in his bosom (Exodus 4:3-4, 30; 7:10,12);   Manna fell from the sky to feed God's people (Exodus 16:4-31); Gideon's fleece became wet and dry according to his request concerning the word of the Lord to him (Judges 6:36-40), and this is just a few of the bigger signs.

What do the scriptures have to say about signs?
The Lord warns us that sometimes there will be signs that men produce to lead us away from Him (Deut 13:1-3; JS- M 1:22)

Sometimes the Lord himself will give us a sign (Isaiah 7:14; 2 Ne 17:14)

We shouldn't  be dismayed at the signs of heaven (Jeremiah 10:2)

Sometimes God uses His people as a sign (Ezekiel 12:6, 11;  24:24)

God can work signs in the heavens and on the earth (Daniel 6:27)

Signs shall follow them that believe (Mark 16:17; Mormon 9:24-25).

Faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe (D&C 63:9)

An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign (Matthew 12:39)

People tend to believe more in the signs and wonders (3 Ne 1:22)

But they quickly forget the signs and wonders (3 Ne 2:1)

Satan can also perform lying signs and wonders. Not everything supernatural is of God (Exodus 7:9-11;8:17-19; Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-14; 16:14; 19:20)

God has given to every believer the power to perform the same mighty deeds as Jesus Himself did – if we have faith (Matthew 10:1, 8; Mark 16:16-18, 20; John 14:12)

What purpose do signs have?

Miracles serve as a confirmation of a person's ministry or message

Signs or wonders served as evidence of the one true God

God performs miracles to meet the needs of His people

Miracles increase our faith

God sends them sometimes as judgment upon the unjust

They may simply be symbolic in nature

Have I experienced signs and wonders in my own life?

After studying this topic, I would have to respond with an emphatic YES! I have not had a sea parted for me, or had manna drop from the sky, but I have had small signs and miracles in my life daily. The Lord has put these signs in my life to let me know that He is with me, that He knows me, and that He hears my prayers. 

Jonathan wasn't asking for a sign in verse 10, he was prepared to recognize a sign.  That is where I am in my life, I am not asking for a lot of signs or miracles, instead I am learning the importance of learning to recognize the ones the Lord puts into my life.  This is an important skill for me, because as I learn to see them, it testifies to me that He is real and my faith is increased.  With increased faith I am better prepared to be the sign or miracle in the life of others.  What a great God we have!