How many times have you wished God would put a sign in the sky telling you which way to go, what to do, which path to choose; just something that would give you a clear direction? I think we’ve all been there and we all wish we had a clear sign in the sky, a billboard that tells us what to do. But God works differently. He works in the realm of trust.
Remember: Matthew 2:1-2
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:1-2
The wisemen were given a sign. But they still had to step out in faith. God met them where they were, foreigners unfamiliar with the promises of Israel. They hadn’t personally experienced the privileges of the people of God; they did not practice the religious rituals, but they studied it from a distance. God gave them an unmistakable sign so that they would discover the king who was born for the world.
Even though a miraculous sign in the heavens started their journey they still had to take the journey and ask questions and search for the answers. A sign in the sky did not exempt them from trusting. They still had to step into the realm of trust.
Their goal was worship. Not comfort or riches or fame. They held wonder in their hearts and they stayed curious. They asked questions, moving them towards the truth. Trusting in the uncertainty brings us to a place of clarity.
Reflect
Maybe right now you wish you had a clear sign. You’ve waited for so long that you’re not even sure which direction to take. Like the wiseman, we are foreigners who must step into the realm of trust. We read the Christmas story we see the signs of the baby born in a manger and the star in the sky; and like these truth seekers, we must respond in faith. We must take the step to begin the journey. We must ask the questions and search for the answers. We must stay curious. And then we must trust and have faith in the promise fulfilled.
The wise men believed because they saw. We are called to believe before we see.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:29
Signs can point the way, but trust forms intimacy. This is where our faith is built. What is God asking you to trust him with today? How will you move forward in your season of waiting? What step of faith is he asking you to take? Will you step into the realm of trust, take the next step and trust him to make your path straight?
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21
Respond
Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:
Breathe In:
Jesus, I step into the realm of trust
Breathe Out:
Help me take the next step.
The Journey
This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.
