What’s a Sign from God (and What Isn’t)

Signs are often tricky and fuzzy. They’re not always such a good tool for helping you make a decision.

Let’s be honest: we want shortcuts. We want God to do the hard work and make big decisions for us. Doing God’s will is the purpose of life, but that does not mean he is going to just reveal exactly what you ought to do. That would violate our freedom.

God speaks in clarity, not fuzziness. If he is telling you to do something, there will be no doubt that he is telling you. This kind of sign, however, is rare because in order to be a disciple of Christ—at some point—we have to make the tough decision to follow him on our own. There are steps that can help in this process:

1) Gather the data.
2) Seek counsel.
3) Weigh all the options and risks.
4) Take the responsibility for the decision you need to make.

If you follow those steps, the decision will be clear. God wants us to use our intellects to make decisions. He wants us to be stewards of our own lives. We can base our decisions on the facts rather than mere feelings and fuzzy signs.

❓ Have ideas for future videos ❓ Topics you want to hear about ❓ Questions you want answered ❓ Make sure to put #AskAscension in your comment 👍

— MORE FROM ASCENSION —

— SOCIAL MEDIA —

— BULLDOG CATHOLIC —

[chrishardy]

A priest told me once “At some point you need to make a decision, and if you make the right one or the wrong one, God will still be there with you guiding you to holiness”. This was in reference to discerning a job.

[paulohenriqueaguiargomiero]

"Every decision risks something, every decision costs something but so does not deciding..." Thank you Father!

[mastermind]

* DOING GOD'S WILL IS EVERYTHING.
* GOD ALWAYS SPEAKS IN CLARITY.
* OUR FEELINGS DON'T REVEAL THE TRUTH ABOUT REALITY, THEY ONLY REVEAL THE CONDITION OF OUR HEARTS.
* WHEN IT COMES TO DECISION MAKING, WE HAVE TO GATHER THE DATA, SEEK COUNSEL, WEIGHT ALL OPTIONS AND RISKS/CONSEQUENCES - AND THEN DECIDE.
* EVERY DECISION RISKS SOMETHING, EVERY DECISION COSTS SOMETHING, BUT NOT DECIDING ALSO COSTS SOMETHING.

[fingerscrossed]

I'm not even catholic but the way he talks about god (so excitable) is so relatable.
God bless.

[juliakolbe]

Haha before I clicked on this video, I saw the title and literally thought “Oh my gosh! This is a sign!” Heehee

[srdominguezsr]

I am a teacher, a few years ago I was working at a school that was very toxic. It was toxic in ways that led me to massive amounts of stress and bitterness towards everyone in my life. Stubborn me, I wouldn't quit. I kept getting strong urges to put in my notice and quit but my pride wouldn't let me. Teachers are in short demand these days and I knew that I could find another teaching job quickly, but my ego wouldn't let me do it. One morning on my way to work, I prayed and said Father if you want me to leave this job you're gonna have to give me a clear sign. Well, later that very same day, I was told that I wasn't a good fit at this particular school and that my contract wouldn't be renewed; basically I was fired. It was a relief even though my pride and ego were severely bruised but within the next 2 weeks I was interviewed and hired at a school closer to me with better supports and opportunities.

[kathrynchambers]

My sign was my grandma (who raised me) had a heart attack she didn’t recover. I went to st Mary’s and cried. So I am conforming to catholic. Every mass I come home feeling whole. My grandma would be proud. And I have a new community. 🙏 mass was amazing today

[Diego_Medina]

I’m 23 years old. I’m currently in my sixth year as an undergrad student majoring in the social sciences department. I feel as if God wants me to become a priest. It’s all I can think about. In a sense, I’m in denial because I’m still young. I was born and raised Catholic. I keep worrying about how my family would react if I followed the signs I’ve seen, but I shouldn’t because it’s my life. After all, I’d be living a life that pleases God.

[pjsmith]

One problem that adds to the difficulty of making decisions is having clinical depression.
I lived it. Try to get married with that over one’s head. Called off my first wedding 3 weeks beforehand. It was humiliating, almost unheard of in my day and my Mom wouldn’t speak to me for a couple of months.
We married 2 years later. Trying to decide what to do was a nightmare. Once I weighed everything, I decided to marry quickly so I couldn’t change my mind. ( Depression is exhausting )
I thought about everything to do with marriage and being Catholic, and although he was not my great love ( ruled that guy out a few years earlier, because of possible alcoholism ) I felt it was my best choice. Seeing so many people terribly “ in love “ who had divorced, I knew that it had to do with commitment.
Celebrated our 44th Anniversary last month!
Love is not a feeling - it is a commitment.

[flatengine]

Honestly I'm not good at decision making I always doubt myself. Maybe that's why my life is tough right now. Thank you Father Mike for this great message.

[annejenna]

"At the same time, I think the anxiety a lot of us experience about making decisions about the future is more about getting out of the responsibility of making a decision and less about doing God's will." So good thank you Father Mike

[christinaplinston]

8:47 Having watched Fr Mike.. I was reminded of the eleven word Novena that I say everyday, as told to us by Padre Pio. “Oh my Jesus I abandon myself to you, you take over”

[BudderChezMC]

Father!!! Where was this video when I was choosing my college!!!? 😂

[shiester]

This video came as I’m discerning vocations, albeit very nervously. What a wonderful gift it is, and very helpful. God bless and take care, Father.

[ravenarellano]

This was very helpful to me. I’m Protestant but anyone who worships Jesus as God above all is my brother or sister

[Caroline.A.joseph]

I think /feel I have missed God 's will for my life... I'm depressed and can't muster the energy to even pray.. Please pray for me.. 😓

[piratequeen]

I went to church for the first time on Sunday and it's been 8 years I stepped away but the service the priest gave I felt like God was using him to get the message to me i felt this warmth an peace and I want to get to know him more 🙏 hopefully it's possible for me to do

[Amanda-xdic]

"God always speaks in clarity." When you phrased it that way, it made a lot of sense to me. The devil and his reasonings are murky, and they are mixed up and make your brain hurt and cause you distress. Thanks for enlightening me Father!

[neiladrianorilla]

Making a decision is one of my biggest weakness. When I was a child I always relied on parents decision (not their fault). It came to the point that I didnt know how to decide for myself. Was too scared of taking risk and loosing. I was so used to letting others decide for me that simple tasks takes time for me to handle and I am unable to defend what I want. I was also always waiting for a sign.

So for parents out there. Teach your child how to make decisions while they are young. Make them understand that its ok to make mistakes. Thats its ok to take risks.

[katelyn]

dear beautiful soul reading this, ur so beautiful and loved and worthy 🦋 Jesus loves you!