When You’re Desperate for a Sign - Encouragement for Today - March 19, 2025
When You’re Desperate for a Sign
MEGHAN MELLINGER
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“By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.” Exodus 13:21 (NIV)
Sometimes I wish we had a touch of Old Testament drama in today’s world. Hungry and angry? Look down and find bread from heaven (Exodus 16). Stuck in traffic? Look ahead and find cars parting like the Red Sea (Exodus 14), with one open lane in the middle just for you.
(Hold the swarms of bugs and getting swallowed by a whale, please.)
But instead of seeing miracles, my heart feels heavy with confusion today. Every area of my life begs the same question: Where am I going?
Jobs. Relationships. Friendships. Projects. Health. In my mind’s wandering, I crave clarity. I’m talking about blinking-neon-light, tell-me-what-to-do, Old-Testament-signs-and-wonders clarity.
I’m sure the Israelites also had questions when they fled Egypt for the promised land — especially when they ended up taking the not-so-scenic route for 40 years. In all their wandering, they had to ask: Are we going in the right direction?
But God provided a clear sign: “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night” (Exodus 13:21).
Our relational God never left His people’s side. He revealed Himself to His people 24/7, day and night. But my favorite thing about this passage? The way God guided them with a tower of light was not just a sign for His people in that moment but a sign of the Light who was coming for all people.
The Light of the world is Jesus (John 8:12).
He is our 24/7, day-and-night constant. Always before us, guiding us, directing us and lighting our path in the darkness.
We may crave bold signs like pillars in the sky, but God has given us the greater wonder of relationship with Light Himself. The light of Christ not only guides us but abides in us. We don’t need to demand Old Testament signs because we have our New Testament promise: Jesus.
Through our relationship with Jesus, God is still in the business of using signs, miracles and wonders to light the way for His children. He points us in the right direction as the Holy Spirit whispers in our souls, and He also speaks to and through us in community — His people are His hands and feet.
Maybe it’s insight you receive from God during your quiet time, or maybe it’s an encouraging text from a friend on a hard day. Maybe it’s flipping to the right Bible verse at the right time or soaking in a sunset God created.
It may be less dramatic than the pillar of fire in the desert, but it’s just as powerful. That’s a promise.
Jesus, may my heart be guided by You — the Light of the world. You are not only before me but abiding within me, always ready to guide me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
The truest thing about you is that you are made and loved by God. In Breaking Free from Body Shame, author Jess Connolly takes us on a journey to see our bodies the way God does — with love, intention and free of shame. It’s time to trade self-criticism for confidence rooted in biblical Truth. Join Circle 31 Book Club this April as we dive into Breaking Free from Body Shame. Together, we’ll experience the joy of seeing ourselves as God’s good creation. Get your copy, and join Circle 31 Book Club today!
ENGAGE
For more from Meghan, connect with her on Instagram (@megswritesthings).
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (NIV).
Have you been looking for big signs when God might be speaking to you in quiet soul whispers? In what areas of your life do you feel God may be speaking to you, but you've been missing it? What does He want you to hear today? Tell us about it in the comments!
© 2025 by Meghan Mellinger. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
