By Elizabeth Prata
People see things and then decide that is it a sign from God or a particular instance of personal comfort in a person’s grief. Let’s use the “cardinal sighting” as an example.
It’s said that when you see a cardinal it means angels are near to you and bringing a loving or comforting message from their loved one in heaven. Or that it’s a sign from heaven indicating the loved ones’ spirit is with you. This concept has been around a long time and the thought occurs in many cultures.
But IS It a sign from God? Or, are there other small signs of comfort He sends us that only the person would understand? Some people say they saw a such and such and it was a sign from God, a particular sunset, a certain tree, a rainbow, etc
Let’s go over what we KNOW.
We know that:
— ‘Signs’ as defined in the Bible are actual miracles such as speaking in tongues, visions, healing, raising the dead, and prophesying (having temporary ‘omniscient’ knowledge). A miracle is something that occurs that is outside of or suspends ‘natural’ law. (See Water into Wine miracle, blind-since-birth man sees),
— Signs in the Bible were for unbelievers & Jews as a judgment (i.e. Tongues at Pentecost- Isaiah 28:11–12 & 1 Corinthians 14:21) and also to authenticate the Apostles as having definitely come from God. (Mark 16:20).
If a person is attributing an object or circumstance to God as a sign, this is dangerous. We must never ascribe a word or deed to God he didn’t say or perform. A cardinal is a naturally and frequently occurring common sight. If we ascribe to this bird “comfort from God” or “spirit of loved one” to it we are in essence putting words in His mouth or a deed He didn’t ordain.
What we do know about Jesus when we are grieving or struggling is:
Here is what we KNOW about Jesus and His operations among the believing populace:
— Jesus is intimately involved with His churches (Rev 1-3),
— Jesus is intimately involved with each individual believer even if they are alone (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5. see: Hagar in the desert, marginalized Woman at the Well, John exiled on Patmos…),
— Jesus knows the heart and mind of each person on earth. (John 1:48),
— He promised to comfort us- (Matthew 5:4,“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. He is the God of all comfort, (2 Corinthians 1:3–5). He is close to the brokenhearted- (Psalm 34:18 ).
So the question left to ask is, HOW does the God of all comfort give us that comfort? Not by having you see a cardinal or other sign or omen.
One way of course is that we take comfort in His promises in the word. That is the most secure place to seek and receive comfort, to be close to God, to ask for comfort, and even to receive answer to prayer (through illumination of the word to our mind). We take comfort when we pray knowing He is near to us and listening.
Also know that Jesus comforts us. We know He answers prayer according to his will. So, what was that thing I saw if it wasn’t a sign??
This Q&A from Randy Alcorn’s Eternal Perspective Ministries addresses this question. Though the questioner in this essay thought the ‘sign’ might be her departed loved one sending her a signal. I thought the author worded her answer well: (https://www.epm.org/resources/2017/Jan/13/loved-ones-signs/)
Answer from Shauna Hernandez:
Thanks for your question. Sometimes I think God does indeed give us gifts that remind us of the loved ones we’ve lost. My mom passed away a few months ago, and God has definitely been kind in different areas. For example, my mom had made up pie dough earlier this year and froze it. We used it this past year at Thanksgiving and it felt like she was still able to contribute to our meal! I don’t believe this was any type of sign, but rather, it was God being sweet and, in a way, allowing my mom’s legacy to still be a part of our day.
While there really isn’t any Biblical evidence for those in Heaven sending us signs, or even for God giving us gifts to remind us of loved ones, He does say to be thankful for all things. I can’t tell you for sure that the break in the clouds and sunshine you mentioned is from God, but I believe it could be. He is the creator of the skies and the heavens (Nehemiah 9:6, Isaiah 45:12), and the giver of all good things (James 1:17). It could be the Lord giving you a gift as you think about your loved one who is now with Him. Certainly you can seek to be drawn closer to Jesus as you thank Him for the beauty of His creation and for His gift of salvation.
I love that God is so good and gives us reminders of His presence and care, both in our day-to-day lives and in His Word: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).
If something you notice as you go along in your grief reminds you of God, His love, His promises, then great. The Spirit might be reminding you of comforting verses that remind you of His promises. Or if you see a beautiful sunset and are reminded that God painted it and you used to watch a nice sunset with your mom, then great, as an example.
I think it is unwise to state with certainty that the THING was definitely a message from God. Unwise because God has said many times in His word that He hates when people ascribe things to Him that He did not do or did not say. I think it is safe to say that you have a positive feeling that God answered that prayer and you can’t wait to find out for sure once you get there.
Philippians 4:4-7 says,
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him, that it would be paid back to him? For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36
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