It's been posited that God speaks to us through circumstances: blocked pathways, dreams, feelings, inspirations, music, nature, symbols, tender mercies, thoughts and visions. Some say he communicates through the community of believers, prayer, scriptures, sermons, wise counsel and His very creation.
God sends us the warning signs but we trivialize them; we convince ourselves that we can handle whatever is coming, that if we survived the last time, we can do it again. Through His Word, God reminds us to take caution and be alert. How gracious is He to speak to us through His Word.
How do you know when God is preparing you for something?
If you know you would run from God and be angry if he never answered this prayer request, that means your heart is not ready to receive it. But if you are truly willing to serve God and love him fully even if he never gives you the thing you are asking him for, this is a great sign you are being prepared to receive it.
He speaks through scriptures, impressions, dreams and angels. On matters universally relevant, He speaks through His living prophet. Occasionally Christ physically appears on earth and speaks. We hear God's words according to our faithfulness, to help with our personal needs.
Signs and wonders refers to experiences that are perceived to be miraculous as being normative in the modern Christian experience, and is a phrase associated with groups that are a part of modern charismatic movements and Pentecostalism.
Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and most are diamond-shaped. These signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary; a special situation or hazard is ahead.
Signs are also given to guide and mark sacred time. For example, they are assigned to each covenant, confirm divine directions, memorialize instances of God's miraculous protection, and highlight laws that mark sacred days and years (e.g., the Sabbath and circumcision).
You enter heaven by forgiveness and through the righteousness that Jesus gives you. You do not enter into heaven by the Christian life. It's always true that where faith is birthed, works will follow, but salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Likewise, God ordains tests for us, not for his sake, but for ours. He ordains tests today just as he did in the Old Testament with the testing of his people, and in the New Testament with the testing of the disciples.
Lord Jesus, You know that I am very anxious about the tests and exams that I have to face very soon, and ask that You would calm my anxious, clouded thoughts. Please calm these nerves that I have, and let me rest in You always.
Being tested is a natural part of being human. So it is no surprise that being tested is also a biblical design pattern. Characters in the Bible experience tests throughout the entire story to see if they can live up to God's intended purpose for humanity.
