Help discerning Gods will. Is it wrong to ask God for signs?

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Hi guys,

I am in a period of my life where I have no I idea where I’m going or what I am to do. After having to battle for my life (long story) I am now almost recovered and have no idea what I am going to do with my life. Having nearly lost everything, I now have to figure out my place in this world and I am lost. And I cannot go back to the way things were. I have to start anew.

I’ve been praying to God to help me know what His will is for me. And I frequently ask Him for signs, for instance, I will ask Him… if you want me to do x will you give me a sign? He has not been very clear. And I’m wondering if this is because I’m not 100% recovered yet.

Is it wrong to ask God to give signs like this? And does anyone have any advice as to how to discern and figure out what God’s will is?

Thanks so much!
 
It is not wrong to ask Him for a sign. If He wants to give it to you, He will.
 
I understand… in a similar circumstance.

You said you are not fully recovered. I think the best thing is to continue to rest as needed- or continue to do whatever is needed for your* full* recovery. God gives things in its proper time. Perhaps you are just eager (like me) to jump ahead back into life. I’ve found before that when signs are not clear, God is still helping you realize your vocation so as long as you are milling it over with Him in prayer. I don’t think he wants to straight out tell you what to do, but guide you to the discovery of your heart.

Well, that is how I understand it. That phrase comes to mind, “Be still and know that I am God”.

There is a book out there - goodcatholicbooks.org/francis-discernment.html
 
I agree with AnneElizabeth re: focusing on fully healing. This part of your healing requires that you place your complete and total trust in G_D to guide you, WHEN you need to be guided. Think of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the image associated with it: Jesus, I Trust In You.

As for discernment, one method is to recognize when your mind has frequently returned to one option. In prayer, offer that option up to G_D with the request to help you discern if this is an option you should pursue. As you continue to pray, over time, you may find yourself being led to different ideas about that option. This is G_D helping you discern the best course of action. The key is to keep yourself open to the results of this prayer – not to force an idea but to open yourself to G_D leading you.

When it comes time to make the decision but you are still unsure, this is where you can “lay a fleece before the Lord.” In Judges 6:37, Gideon is trying to discern if G_D is really telling him to raise and lead an army. If, the next morning, the fleece is dry but the surrounding ground is wet, it means one thing; if the fleece is wet but the ground is dry, it means another. So to answer your first question, yes, it is OK to ask G_D for signs.
 
I feel you RD. I know how much i want and need to be in God’s will. Nothing will seem right until i know. This is a common question on the forum. See vocations. But you see my friend you must proceed in God’s order. Even though God has a perfect plan for you, He is more interested in your knowing Him first, rather than for you to go and get busy doing many things. Are you with me so far? Because actually, everything in a holy life is just an overflow of relationship with your Lord. Tragically, i believe that most Christians miss God’s perfect plan for their lives. One of the most popular books ever published (aside from the Bible) was “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. I thought it was weak. Just common principles and advice, but no foundation. Not very helpful if you want to be serious. Some slightly questionable theology.

But, if you want to achieve anything of lasting value in life and that will have value in the next, it is imperative that you be in God’s will. Don’t worry about your physical state, believe it or not, God already knew everything before you were born. Nothing hinders Him except our lack of faith. But, as i was saying, you must begin at square one which is “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and THEN all these things will be added unto you.” What is the “righteousness of God”? It is not a spiritual thing. It is a Person. The bible reveals that Jesus is the righteousness of God himself. Thus we need to seek Him. He is waiting for us (Rev3:20), but as it says, we should “hear His voice”. This is not impossible, but it does require discipline and maybe fasting. Do you not sometimes hear the voice of the devil tempting you with something? Then you can hear the divine voice also if we are tuned into it. To do this, we n e ed to renew our mind, as in Rm12:2. Let God’s word inform your mind and not your feelings. That is the beginning of faith. All the saints walked by faith.

I have been looking for the best resources to help (and i need a lot of help) i don’t have anymore time to waste with guesswork and experiment. I don’t want to be wandering in the desert forever. Many people just think that if something is God’s will then it will come to pass if they are living a “good life” . Nothing could be more wrong. One must actively pursue God and His will if it is to be released in our life.

There is no reason why we should not enjoy what God wants for us. I would enjoy discussing this further with you.
 
Muzhik said:
I agree with AnneElizabeth re: focusing on fully healing. This part of your healing requires that you place your complete and total trust in G_D to guide you, WHEN you need to be guided. Think of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the image associated with it: Jesus, I Trust In You.

As for discernment, one method is to recognize when your mind has frequently returned to one option. In prayer, offer that option up to G_D with the request to help you discern if this is an option you should pursue. As you continue to pray, over time, you may find yourself being led to different ideas about that option. This is G_D helping you discern the best course of action. The key is to keep yourself open to the results of this prayer – not to force an idea but to open yourself to G_D leading you.
9
When it comes time to make the decision but you are still unsure, this is where you can “lay a fleece before the Lord.” In Judges 6:37, Gideon is trying to discern if G_D is really telling him to raise and lead an army. If, the next morning, the fleece is dry but the surrounding ground is wet, it means one thing; if the fleece is wet but the ground is dry, it means another. So to answer your first question, yes, it is OK to ask G_D for signs.
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It may be alright to ask God for signs, but i think it is weak faith. St.Paul did not do this.
 
Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your discernment.
 
I thank you all for your thoughtful replies. I’m gonna use your posts as food for meditation and journaling.

I think I’m just getting impatient because things are moving at a snails pace for me. I have to remember that it’s His will not mine.
 
Rosarydevotion said:
Hi guys,

I am in a period of my life where I have no I idea where I’m going or what I am to do. After having to battle for my life (long story) I am now almost recovered and have no idea what I am going to do with my life. Having nearly lost everything, I now have to figure out my place in this world and I am lost. And I cannot go back to the way things were. I have to start anew.

I’ve been praying to God to help me know what His will is for me. And I frequently ask Him for signs, for instance, I will ask Him… if you want me to do x will you give me a sign? He has not been very clear. And I’m wondering if this is because I’m not 100% recovered yet.

Is it wrong to ask God to give signs like this? And does anyone have any advice as to how to discern and figure out what God’s will is?

Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
It seems that you are sincerely seeking the will of God for your life, so your desire for direction is not the kind that Jesus criticized, which had to do with the unbelieving people asking for 'proofs".

I had a period of time in my life like what you describe, and I went to live in a monastic community for a time. There are temporary residences that people can do while they discern God’s will for their lives. Not everyone ends up becoming a monk (though some do) but the daily liturgy of the hours and communal life really help one focus and sort out what God is saying. I have not read the whole thread, but probably someone has recommended that you get a spiritual director, which is also helpful.
 
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