“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it! (John 14:12-14 NLT)
In your heart and mind do you believe God is still performing miracles? Without a doubt I do, and I’ve experienced some, but this isn’t about me. What do YOU believe? How you answer that may tell more about your faith than you realize. And what I’m asking isn’t “Do you believe in miracles?” I’m asking if you, personally believe God is not only able, but willing to perform miracles today?
Perhaps the key to this conversation is defining what a miracle is. And, for me, that’s easy. It’s anything that is humanly impossible. You may recall the conversation Jesus had with the young man who had great riches, but walked away saddened to learn he loved his possessions more than he was willing to love Jesus. That hasn’t changed much in the two thousand years that have passed since.
It so astounded the disciples that Jesus let that young man walk away it prompted a question. “Then who in the world can be saved?” And listen carefully to Jesus’ response: “Humanly speaking, it is impossible (for someone to be saved). But with God everything is possible.” These are familiar verses, but do you remember the question Peter asked right after Jesus said that? “Then Peter said to Him, ‘We’ve given up everything to follow You. What will we get?’”
Peter gave us great insight into our own minds when he asked that question. How many “name it and claim it” preachers are essentially preaching that Jesus wants every one of His followers to be “healthy, wealthy and wise,” but that’s just not what Jesus said. The miracle isn’t having wealth, it’s knowing Jesus. The greatest miracle known to man is to have your sins forgiven and to be given the opportunity to walk in favor with God.
Corky Calhoun said: “Christians generally lack any sense of anticipation of what God could do if we were unleashed in faith, and unashamed of Jesus.” Do you remember what Satan offered Jesus if Jesus would worship him? The whole world and all the riches, prestige, honor and glory that it could ever offer. But it wasn’t enough for Jesus, and it can’t be enough for us. If all you’re anticipating is a bigger bank account, nicer house or a faster car, you’ve missed the miracle of new life in Christ.
Recently I experienced a miracle of faith as I stood by the bedside of one of my friends. He had died for four minutes, but was brought back to life, but that wasn’t the miracle. The miracle was the faith of his wife who refused to let him go without a fight. She hung on to the hem of Jesus’ robe as she declared her trust in Him to do for her husband what only He can do. She wasn’t demanding health for her husband, she was simply declaring faith that God is a good and faithful Father who has her and her families’ best interests at heart.
Am I implying you didn’t have enough faith when you prayed for a loved one and they died? No, I’m simply saying that trust leaves that decision in God’s capable hands, believing whatever the outcome, God will be glorified and we, as His beloved children, will be blessed. We don’t have the ability to see into the future to really know what’s “best” for us. I begged God to save my marriage, but He said “No, trust me.” Today, as I face the reality of a very troublesome outcome regarding a serious health issue, I have by my side a nurse of forty years who knows how to guide me in the steps I need to take for the best outcome. She’s a gift from God and we are asking Him each day, not for miraculous healing, but miraculous wholeness in Him.
There is no better outcome than to close your eyes in death and open them in the presence of your Savior, regardless of what the path that led you there might look like. What are you anticipating happening, not only in the immediate future, but when you die?
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 