God's Sign

"Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."  Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

In the post titled "His Design" I continued to define God's Orchestra using Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. From the definition of 'design' I could see the emphasis on the word sign. When I replaced 'design' with 'sign' God’s Orchestra became God's Sign. 

This revelation reinforces the my very first notion that God's Orchestra is all around us.  The people in our lives; every conversation we have; the books we read; the songs we sing; every action we take; they are all individual notes within God’s Orchestra.  Your body is your instrument; your life is your opus. “...for in Him we live and move and have our being...” Acts 17:28 (NKJV)

The word sign dates back to the 13^th century and has it’s etymology in Middle English, from Middle French signer; from Latin signare to mark, sign, seal, from signum. 

sign 1 a : CROSS 2 b : to place a sign on c : to represent or indicate by a sign
2 a : to affix a signature to : ratify or attest by hand or seal <sign a bill into law> <the prisoner signed a confession> b : to assign or convey formally <signed over his property to his brother> c : to write down (one's name)
3 : to communicate by making a sign or by sign language
4 : to engage or hire by securing the signature of on a contract of employment -- often used with up or on
intransitive senses
1 : to write one's name in token of assent, responsibility, or obligation
2 a : to make a sign or signal b : to use sign language
- sign·ee /"sI-'nE/ noun
- sign·er /'sI-n&r/ noun

And the very first entry for sign was 'cross'.  Before I went to look up the definition of cross, I knew what I would find.  WOW!  Right there in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, God’s Orchestra pointed me to the Cross.   Replacing 'sign' with 'cross' I now have God’s Cross! 

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Signs

It began with a message about signs.  Everywhere there are signs.  I couldn’t get a popular song out of my head.  Signs, signs, everywhere there are signs.  But you have to look for them.  You have to recognize them.  You have to respond to them.

“Show them the signs,” rang loudly in my head.  I wasn’t sure what to do about it, so I waited and waited and waited.  I felt as though I was being moved towards something, but I wasn’t sure what that something was so I waited and listened for God to tell me what He wanted me to do.  

Slowly, He put people into my life who would help me show the signs.  Conversation after conversation, I heard the same word, orchestra.  Then it made sense.  The signs that are all around, the people in our lives; every conversation we have; the books we read; the songs we sing; every action we take; they are all individual notes within God’s Orchestra. 

You are God’s song.  As His people, we are called to be a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth, by telling of all the good he has done unto us. 

“Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.” Jeremiah 33:9 

"It is written: 'I believed; therefore I have spoken.' With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak." 2 Corinthians 4:13

It is by our testimonies that we play music in God’s Orchestra.  It is my prayer that the testimonies shared here will remind you of (or perhaps introduce you for the first time to) our awesome God who is involved with every detail of your life.  He knew you in your mother’s womb.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 

  

The following is an example of God’s Orchestra in my own life.  

One morning several years ago during my prayer time, the Lord told me, "If you ask God 'Who, What, & Where?' he'll answer and GIVE you the 'When, Why, & How!'"

I thought, "Really God?" 

He knows I like to ask a LOT of questions, so He said, "Go ahead, and try it!"

Sure enough, I began to think of all the times I have asked God, "Who do you want me to minister to? What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go?"

Next, I thought of specific incidences and quickly He brought to my remembrance the time He told me to, "Sell everything and move to Canada." 

At first, the "What" seemed scary, but was eventually replaced with excitement for a new adventure.  He told me "Where" but the "Who" wasn't for me to know, yet. He provided the "How,” and after I had been there a short time, the "Who" and "Why" emerged. 

A woman in an abusive relationship was put in my life.  She had vaguely heard about someone named Jesus, but had no clue who He was or what He had done for her.  Her parents died when she was young, and had raised her older brothers and sisters as atheists.  

After reading the Bible with her, we prayed and she asked Jesus to be her Savior.  She had a newborn and decided to leave the abusive relationship, and move across country.  She was so happy to know she could raise her daughter to know and love the Lord.  

Her life changed, dramatically; and I continue to be humbled by the experience of surrendering my will to His. 

As a postscript, I realize that it can be so easy to miss His leading for us.  For example, I am not supposed to only write and share this with others.  He's saying, "Deanna, don't miss it.  I have answers for you!" He is saying to you, too "Don't miss it!  I have answers for you.  Just ask me!"

Your body is your instrument; your life is your opus.

“for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’” Acts 17:28

Make music!  

Share your stories with us on how you play your instrument in God's Orchestra at info@godsorchestra.com