Are you looking for a sign from God?

"If now I have found favor in your sight, then show me a sign that it is You Who talks to me."

- Judges 6:17 (AMP)

I was perplexed over a situation I had been facing. So I asked God to give me a sign regarding a breakthrough in this area.

I decided my sign had to be something unusual or it wouldn't be a sign. I prayed, "God show me a deer in my backyard."

I have a small patch of woods at the end of my backyard. However, as far as I was concerned this was an impossible request, because the area I live in is residential, not rural.

No one in my neighborhood has ever seen a deer roaming around here; neither had I.

Then one amazing day, my prayer was answered. In the middle of a quiet Sunday afternoon, my deer appeared in my backyard!

From my kitchen window I watched him wag his fluffy, white tail as he nibbled from a bird feeder a friend had given me.

Whenever I pray for a sign from God, I think about the Bible story of Gideon.

Gideon needed a sign that God was on his side to deliver his country from the enemies they were battling. He told God that he would place a piece of wool on the ground and, if it was left dry and the ground around it wet, he would know God was with him. After that he received his sign and won his battle.

Although a sign from God can be reassuring, there are many times that I have asked God for a sign and He has informed me to use my judgment.

We have to be careful in asking for a sign and use wisdom in the discernment of the reception of one.

However, when times are tough I still find comfort in asking as Gideon did, "God show me a sign."

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com. Invite her to speak to your group, conference or meeting or your personal life coach.