Matthew 12:38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.”

There are all kinds of proof, and all sorts of reasons for asking for proof. Jesus had been giving many demonstrations of divine power, so it was obvious from the outset that these people were less than sincere. Anything Jesus could have done would have been discounted. On the other end of the scale we have Gideon, who asked two times for signs that he was hearing God accurately, and God gave them to him. (Judges 6) Receiving those proofs, Gideon acted decisively, and God’s will was done. I have heard countless testimonies of people who really wanted to find God and asked Him to do something, and He answered marvelously, just as He did for Gideon. I have also known people who probably won’t submit willingly to Christ when He returns in triumph from the skies! These men who questioned Jesus were in that last group, so Jesus told them the only proof they would get would be His own burial and resurrection. I wonder if any actually did repent and believe at that point? The whole issue is heart attitude. If we honestly want to know God’s will and obey Him, then He will give us all the proofs we need. If our demand for proof is just an excuse for not obeying Him, then we are in deep trouble.

I don’t know that I have ever demanded proof from God, but I have asked for clear guidance many times. Sometimes His guidance has seemed clear, and sometimes not! Looking back, I can see that the times when it was less than clear have been training in faith. I have done far too many things without ever asking what God wanted! At this point I feel like I have a lifetime of evidence that God is righteous, faithful, and loving, and that is proof enough for me. I think I honestly desire to live each day according to His plans for me, and that is a source of deep peace. I still slip up, certainly, but He has “worked in me to will and to do His good pleasure,” (Philippians 2:13) and I am to rest, relax, and rejoice in that assurance, just as He has told me to do.

Father, thank You for this encouraging Word. Thank You for yesterday and all it held. Thank You for speaking through me clearly, and for the response. Thank You for the wonderful time of fellowship we had in the afternoon. Thank You for Your plans for today, and that You will enable me to fulfill my part in them, for Your glory. Praise God!