Quit ignoring the signs

Today was a sad day. I received difficult news yesterday about an unexpected loss in one of my teams and the ongoing recognition that things are far from where I thought I would be in my personal life in so many areas. I cried a lot, I smiled little, but I continued to stand bold in my faith-in spite of all that is being thrown at me. But this is not a sad post, it is a post of heightened awareness, recognition of signs, and the determination not to ignore them. I shared that this past weekend I took time to be deep in prayer and refocus on studying His word. I have been fasting and remaining focused opening myself to hear Him, hear His truth above all else. The signs have been overwhelming not only in their multitude but in the immediacy of direct answer to prayers. I mean, yay God! In the last two days, I have held my bible in prayer and just fervently asked God to reveal Himself to me. I have begged Him to let me know that I am hearing Him and not being deceived by other influences. Yesterday, as I prayed, I opened my bible and it opened to Isaiah 43. I was reminded that God is with me - “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze…Do not be afraid for I am with you” (Isaiah 43: 2-5, NIV).