Some Thoughts on The Miraculous

I was given a challenge to look at scripture, not through the eyes of a cessationist (someone who feels the supernatural gifts were only for biblical times), but as someone who thinks the Holy Spirit is still active in that area today. So after reading some scriptures in this way I discovered three things -

Suffering is expected.

I am not a cessationist.

It is OK to ask why.

This is the notes from a presentation I was asked to give on that very topic:

IT IS OK TO ASK WHY

Never stop asking.

Rebekah, Moses, Israel, Gideon, Naomi, Nehemiah, Job, The Psalmists, David, Asaph, Heman, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, The Disciples and Jesus all asked why.

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

SUFFERING IS EXPECTED 

Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors. Equally true is that faith anchors the soul. If we get that miracle or not, it is up to God. Our job is to be faithful in the little things.

God dispenses miracles as He sees fit for His own glorious purposes. Sometimes miracles just don't seem to come. That thorn in the flesh remains. The cup doesn't pass from us for His will needs done. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Expect suffering in this world, but fear not for He has overcome the world. Trust in His sovereign choices and not only in getting what we want. Miracles aren't guaranteed in every circumstance, and that is OK. (eg. Wheel chair bound believer, no hands or feet, and blind minister who lost daughter in India).

Somehow, eyes off the storm. Eyes on the Christ of heaven.

Having said all that...

You can't walk on water unless you get out of the boat.

WHY IM NOT CESSATIONIST 

All the books in the world couldn't contain all of what Jesus did (John 21:25), but we do have a record of many of Jesus's miracles.

He changes not.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Jesus' ministry consisted of preaching, teaching, and healing (Matt. 4:23) with compassion.

So should ours.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12 KJV)

A miracle never exists only for itself; it always serves a greater purpose. You know it’s a miracle when a supernatural work of God increases worship or faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. It points to Him, not to us.

If we never ask, we will never know.

Miracles aren't guaranteed NOT to happen, so ask for what seems like wildly unrealistic things. Listen to the still small voice. Remembering faith can move mountains. Be outrageous. Be fools for Christ. Word of Jesus' miracles seemed to spread like wild fire. Thus, the kingdom grows through holy rumours.

EXPANDING THE MIRACLE NARRATIVE 

We should broaden what we consider a miracle.

Morgan Freeman: "A single mom who's working two jobs and still finds time to take her kid to soccer practice, that's a miracle. A teenager who says "no" to drugs and "yes" to an education, that's a miracle... You want to see a miracle... Be the miracle."

NB. Salvation itself is a miracle. Conviction of sin, Salvation and Comfort are all ministries of the Holy Spirit. All miracles.

CONCLUSION 

Someone once wrote, "God still gets the credit whether healing is through medicine or miracle—that’s why we should never stop praying!" 

We should never limit God to the natural or supernatural. He moves in both. So should we. So become His miracles.

Such comes by prayer and fasting and the fasting God requires is to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.

Amen.