Mom did some studying on miracles. We all love to see and hear about miracles in our lives, the lives of loved ones, friends, family, even strangers. The miraculous is faith building, joy bringing and awe inspiring, Mom got into the terms used for miracles. This will give us a deeper understanding of God's Word in this area.
Historical events or natural phenomena that appear to violate natural laws but reveal God to the eye of faith at the same time.
To understand the meaning of miracles is to examine the various terms for miracles used in the Bible.
Sign: Denotes a miracle that points to deeper revelation.
Isaiah 7:11-14 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Wonder: Emphasizes the effect of the miracle, causing awe and even terror.
Joel 2:30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
Mark 13:22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Work: Points to the presence of God in history acting for mankind.
Matthew 11:2-3 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds (work) of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Power: Emphasizes God's acting in strength
Mark 6:7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority (power) over impure spirits.
Acts 2:43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
These terms often overlap in meaning. The law of miracles guarantees the performance of impossible things.
Seek God humbly to know what God's will is. Ask God, "My Father, what do You want in this situation?" Do not doubt!!
Mark 11:23-24 Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Jesus speaking)
From me.
Clearly, seeking God's will is paramount to the miraculous being seen. I don't think God wants us going around willy-nilly, thoughtlessly thinking everything we want done will be performed. He is not a cosmic genie. But a prayerful, totally submitted, God honoring life will see the miraculous because that person is walking in accord with the Holy Spirit, acting when He says to. Sometimes God allows hardship for reasons we do not know nor understand, and a miracle that instantly lifts that hardship would be counterproductive to God's deeper work. We have to allow for that and not be discouraged. God still does miracles today! He still works in our lives in ways that can only be described as miraculous. The hardest of heart coming to salvation is the greatest miracle I've seen. I myself have been relieved of daily headaches. God is good! Listen to Him, follow Him and submit to His leading and you will see and know that He is God, performer of wonders!
Lord, You are a wonder working, miracle giving, loving Father. I want to see more! I want to see more healing, more deliverance, more of Your power at work in the world around me. I ask that You help me submit my life even more, that I see even more of You. Thank You for the miracles You still do, You are the same today, yesterday and even tomorrow where we have not been yet. You are an awesome God. Glorify Your Name!
More prayer! More time with God! See His will be done.
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