I would give a million dollars for a crystal ball that revealed the path God has planned for me. It would be thrilling to get a glimpse of the future, to know all the hurdles I will have to overcome, and even identify things I could avoid entirely. I chuckle at this thought, realizing how silly God must think I am for even entertaining the idea. But what if God did give us small hints to show that we are moving in the direction of His will? How could we identify them? How would we respond?

Several terms can help us recognize God’s communication in our lives, such as “God moments,” “God winks,” and “God incidences.” I would like to introduce another term: “God nods.”

A nod from God is just as it sounds; I envision Him looking down with an approving expression, signaling that I am on the right track with whatever task or decision I am engaged in. Receiving God’s approval can deepen our faith and affirm the work we are doing on His behalf.

An example of a God nod might be something as simple as a room filling with your favorite scent—a scent that reminds you of a happy moment in your life. Another example could be the sight of a butterfly landing on your mom’s favorite flower at a time when that sighting is exactly what you need to feel her closeness. I don’t want to describe too many scenarios because a true nod from God will be an experience unique to each individual. I have had many moments where God showed up in unexpected ways, revealing that He was with me and that we were working together toward a common goal.

Recently, while I was on vacation, I felt a strong nod from God. He revealed to me that the decisions I made regarding our accommodations, event planning, and even dinner locations were all part of the path He intended for us. During our trip, I received a very unexpected nod from God in the form of a monetary gift. An affirmation that our vacation was truly inspired by divine guidance! I found myself asking, “Who does this? Who goes on vacation and connects with a total stranger on such a deep level, to the point that my ministry is blessed?” The answer is simple: it’s a nod from God, confirming that I am following His will. It’s a nod indicating that my ministry is alive and thriving. It’s a confirmation that God sees what I am doing and has given His stamp of approval.

Once you have answered the call and recognized the nod, it’s time to respond. I didn’t hesitate to praise God for His kindness in showing me His approval in such a wonderful way. It is a true blessing to be in alignment with God and to receive His acknowledgment. God desires our excitement just as much as He expects our praise. The act of praising God brings us closer to faith, prayer, and God Himself. It also ignites our passion to continue sharing God in the ways He has called us to.

My experience ignited a passion in me, prompting me to donate my books to local Christian bookstores before I left the town we were visiting. I never would have had the courage to do something like that before. With God’s approval, I felt determined to continue spreading the message.

Although we may not have a crystal ball, staying attuned to the spirit working in our lives and maintaining a consistent prayer life allows us to notice God’s gentle signs of approval. This is something to be cherished, developed, and shared with others.

Copyright 2025 Kimberly Novak

Edited by Janet Tamez