Many times in our lives, we ask God for guidance through signs. Whether in a career or relationship or any other life decision, small or big, we tend to ask God for signs that could help us pursue the right path. One time, as I was surfing on the internet, I came across a question that got me curious, “Is it a sin to ask God for a sign?” It made me wonder and confused. Like, how?
In this blog post, we will deep dive into this question.
Biblical Reference
Let’s begin with the bible. Since this is the basis of the Catholic Church, aside from the traditions, we will refer to some of the passages that discuss asking God for a sign or confirmation.
The most probable cause why people think that it is a sin to ask God for a sign is because of the following verses.
“You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test, as you did at Massah.”
Deuteronomy 6:16
“Jesus answered him, Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
Matthew 4:7
Well, it is reasonable but note that in the above passages, God is put to the test. He was demanded to prove himself. Although somehow almost similar, it is still different from asking God for a sign for guidance.
To counter these verses, there is a biblical character that asked God for a sign, Gideon.
“Then Gideon said to God, If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised. And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water.”
Judges 6:36
The above passage is proof that it is okay to ask God for a sign. Gideon requested God and He answered. This contradicts the first two verses above.
Catholic Perspective
To further discuss this question, I asked two of my religious friends, a Redemptorist Priest and a Nun to ask their views about this matter.
According to Fr. JM, CSsR, God communicates to us by signs and symbols. He also does not see anything wrong in asking God for a sign as long as this is not to test Him.
Sr. Sozette also believes that praying to God for a sign is not a sin. She also mentioned that it is good, especially in a difficult situation. But, she added to be sensitive to it. That we cannot always rely on asking for signs. Instead, follow your heart. Weigh the possible good and the bad effects. And to commit to it and be open to the consequences.
To add, in my opinion, although I don’t normally do it, I believe that it is actually good to ask God for a sign. I find it to be a form of prayer. A prayer for guidance. That He’ll lead us in the right direction. I feel like it is asking God to take our hands so that we can have our first step. We need His advice. In a way, it shows humility and docility.
So again, to recap.
Is it a sin to ask God for a sign?
No. It is not a sin to ask God for a sign as long as we are not testing Him to prove Himself for us to believe in Him.
Conclusion
I know some are really curious if we are offending God if we ask Him for a sign but again, it is not a sin. As long as we are not demanding Him to do something to test if He exists, it is fine.
At the end of the day, we all want to choose the best decision. After praying to Him for a sign, may we not forget that it does not end there. We must offer our decision up to Him and let His will be done. And for us to continue praying for the journey we are about to take.
Remember that whatever the result of this decision will be, it is up to us if we will learn from it or not.
Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us.