Seeking confirmation is a practice observed throughout the Bible, where individuals seek assurance or validation of God's will, promises, or guidance. This concept is rooted in the desire for clarity and certainty in one's faith journey and decision-making processes. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals seeking confirmation from God, often through prayer, signs, or counsel.

Biblical Examples

1. Gideon: One of the most well-known instances of seeking confirmation is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 6, Gideon seeks assurance from God regarding his role in delivering Israel from the Midianites. He requests a sign involving a fleece of wool. Gideon says, "If You will deliver Israel by my hand, as You have said, behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You will deliver Israel by my hand, as You have said" (Judges 6:36-37). God graciously provides the sign, and Gideon is further emboldened to fulfill his mission.

2. Moses: In Exodus 3 and 4, Moses seeks confirmation of his calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite God's direct communication through the burning bush, Moses expresses doubt and requests signs to validate his mission. God provides Moses with miraculous signs, such as turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then healed, to confirm His presence and power.

3. Hezekiah: King Hezekiah sought confirmation of his healing and the extension of his life. In 2 Kings 20, after being told by the prophet Isaiah that he would die, Hezekiah prays earnestly to God. God responds by granting him fifteen more years of life and offers a sign as confirmation: the shadow on the sundial moves backward. "This will be the sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has descended on the stairway of Ahaz" (2 Kings 20:9-10).

Principles of Seeking Confirmation

1. Prayer and Communion with God: Seeking confirmation often begins with prayer and a sincere desire to align with God's will. The Bible encourages believers to pray for wisdom and guidance. James 1:5 states, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" .

2. Scriptural Alignment: Any confirmation sought should align with the teachings and principles of Scripture. The Bible serves as the ultimate authority and guide for discerning God's will. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" .

3. Counsel from Godly Advisors: Seeking confirmation can also involve seeking counsel from mature and godly individuals. Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the value of wise counsel: "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance" .

4. Patience and Trust: Sometimes, confirmation may not come immediately. Believers are encouraged to wait patiently and trust in God's timing. Psalm 27:14 advises, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" .

Cautions in Seeking Confirmation

While seeking confirmation is a biblical practice, it is important to approach it with humility and discernment. Believers should be cautious of relying solely on signs or external validations, as these can sometimes be misinterpreted or manipulated. The heart's motives should be examined to ensure that the desire for confirmation stems from a genuine pursuit of God's will rather than doubt or unbelief.

In summary, seeking confirmation is a biblically supported practice that involves prayer, scriptural alignment, wise counsel, and patience. It reflects a believer's earnest desire to walk in accordance with God's will and to make decisions that honor Him.