My dad has often told me that communication is hard, and it can feel even harder when you’re trying to understand God who seems far away at times. When we’re trying to do the right thing, it’s natural to want some reassurance that we’re on the right track, and yes, I believe God can use signs to do that. The Bible is full of examples: Moses, Gideon, and many of Israel’s kings received signs from God, but Jesus warned that chasing signs for their own sake wasn’t the point (Exodus 4, Judges 6:17, Matthew 12:39). A sign is meant to point somewhere, and scripture also warns that some signs look good but aren’t for us (Matthew 24:24).

Here are some steps to reading signs. 

Check scripture. A sign will never contradict God’s Word.

Look for confirmation. Typically, signs confirm something God is already saying through prayer.

Talk it through. Share the signs you’re seeing with people who are locked in with Jesus.

Every true sign should draw you closer to Jesus. He is where every sign points. Is the path you’re on, the path with the signs, bringing you closer to Him?

Stay curious, keep seeking, and lean into the adventure.

Captain Scott Swires, Port Jervis, NY

What’s the best way to practice patience when I’m waiting for something I really want?

In today’s modern society, people don’t like to wait. We’re used to quick answers and decisions. But sometimes, we still need time for something, and it may be irritating. 

I’ll never forget how, over 20 years ago, I waited for my first visa from the U.S. The process was long, and waiting for the embassy’s decision was excruciating. One morning, I turned on the TV and heard a chocolate commercial say, “Waiting is part of the journey.” It reminded me that I can’t influence everything and I can’t make time fly by. But by living in the future, I’m losing what I have now, in the present. I found peace and decided to live in the here and now, and that what’s meant to happen will come. 

God is a much better planner than we are because He knows the right place and time for everything.

Captain Oleg Samoilenko, Warsaw, Poland