So many days in my life, I’ve thought – “I need a miracle!” In fact, most people find themselves needing a miracle from time to time. Perhaps you’re there now.
Please don’t despair. If you need a miracle, God still does them. However, the best miracles may look differently than you picture. For example, as I’ve considered God’s interventions in my life, they rarely look how I pictured miracles at the time. Interestingly, however, later in time, I was amazed at what God had been busy doing.
Now, I’ve come to expect adventure when I ask for a miracle. Additionally, I’ve come to anticipate personal growth in patience, perspective, and perseverance as I wait for God’s provisions.
Time to tear into your miracle!
Tear Into It – Need A Miracle?
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture Dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
“Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced . . .” (1 Chron. 16:12; Ps. 105:5)
“You are the God who performs miracles. You display Your power among the peoples.” (Ps. 77:14)
“Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.” (1 Jn. 4:8)
That’s what those verses say.
2. What Does It Mean?
Every miracle is a kind of “shadow” of God’s power over your life. Of course, we know God’s Word is filled with stories of miracles. However, His miracle power is yours every day, with a two-fold stipulation on your part.
- Believe Him.
- Obey Him.
Now, let’s tear into our verses to discover more meaning.
1 Chron. 16:12; Ps. 105:5
“Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced . . .”
Interestingly, Scripture suggests the first step of believing is remembering. Do you approach your requests from God by remembering what He’s done for you in past times? This includes even “tiny miracles.”
Additionally, it includes any judgments He’s pronounced in your life. Just like any good parent should/would, God also weighs-in on things we must correct or do better.
Notice this verse focuses on past tense.
Ps. 77:14
“You are the God who performs miracles. You display Your power among the peoples.”
Another basic step that sets you up for God’s miraculous help is to declare your dependence on Him.
Speak the truth out loud – “Yes, it’s You, oh Lord, who does exceptional things for Your people. I believe You have my best in mind.”
Further, give Him credit for what He’s doing both in observable scenarios and in “under cover” kinds of situations – in your life and around the globe. God is always working.
Notice this verse focuses on present tense.
1 Jn. 4:8
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Perhaps the greatest miracle of all is love. Suffice it to say – if you don’t love yourself or others, you really don’t know God.
So, how is it you call on Him for a miracle when you don’t know Him – and perhaps don’t believe He loves you. Knowing and loving God opens a “sliver” into a miracle.
To love is a miracle. An everyday special miracle to share around. Yes, to extend a kind of “shadow” of care over others in the world.
That’s what those verses mean.
3. Make It Personal
Miracles take faith and action, not just sitting, hoping, praying. So, how do you turn belief into action? Well, you participate in whatever God is doing as you look to Him for help. Plus, you wait on Him to make known what He’s been busy doing. Frankly, both are action!
- Participating.
- Waiting.
Miracles happen for those who believe. However, believing means being so sure of God – you start down His path with all your heart. Essentially, you believe by “getting going.”
Consider the 10 lepers. (Lk 17:11-19) When they asked Jesus for healing, He sent them on their way to be examined by the priests. That’s all He did! It seemed a ridiculous directive. Nevertheless, all 10 believed Jesus and headed toward the priests – unhealed. Remarkably, they were healed on the way! They –
- Believed Jesus.
- Obeyed Him.
Simply put, they proved their faith.
Who Gets Miracles?
People who believe and obey God get miracles. Nevertheless, they do additional things.
- They choose to be alert to God in every detail.
- Each day they train diligently in heart and mind to manage personal issues using God’s principles.
- Plus, they listen intently for God’s whispers as they face problems.
- These people apply action steps from God’s Word to their life each day, not just when they need a miracle.
- The most convincing thing they do – they live with passion, joy, and resolve that God can do anything.
What a list! How many of those things do you practice? Are you content to receive a different kind of miracle than what you picture? Perhaps a miracle of love “from” or “for” someone? Radically, are you surrendered enough to recognize receiving strength, courage, and persistence is a powerful kind of miracle? They seem so ordinary – but make all the difference.
- Strength,
- Courage,
- Persistence.
Knowing God
Simply knowing God is a miracle. Is that enough of a miracle for you?
Living in His holiness is another miracle. Incidentally, this can be your reality daily.
Jesus said many people walk the broad, easy path. Sadly, few people commit to the narrow path of faith and action. The few who choose the narrow path start to live inside miracles each day. Almost unrecognizable, at first. Yet, with careful attentiveness and a grateful heart, they begin to see incredible things God is doing in and around them continually.
Purposeful, practical, passionate partnership with God invites miracles as a daily reality. Yes, God still does miracles. Frankly, it goes back to what I said – expecting personal growth in patience, perspective, and perseverance.
Transformed Character
When you commit to believe and obey God’s Word, you notice changes. Basically, transformed character. Subsequently, transformed character is possibly the greatest miracle you could wish for – second only to what Christ accomplished at His cross and empty tomb.
Consider these ideas –
- New, healthier patterns.
- Increased peace and joy.
- Hope and strength to manage difficulties.
- Wisdom to make better choices.
- Patience, perspective, and perseverance you’ve never known before.
These are all miracles. However, you must train in character to recognize them. Afterall, they originate from another dimension. If God’s choice of miracle (or timing) differs from yours – always choose His choice over yours.
Christ-like character means you will not be bitter, angry, or self-serving. These also are miracles of character.
Quite literally, they change the DNA of your spiritual life.
God’s Blessing
God blesses your extreme adoption of His miracles. Simply, to –
- Believe Jesus.
- Obey Him.
You will no longer live for the thrill of some grandiose miracle. Instead, you’ll live in the moment of small miracles.
- Matter of fact, to enjoy knowing and pleasing God will fill your soul with wonder.
- Plus, to prefer His perfect agenda over yours.
- Unthinkably, to accept His invitation to be His friend.
- Additionally, to recognize His blessings each day all around you.
Interestingly, you will no longer fizzle out, be short-sighted, or participate in unhealthy behaviors. Instead, you will grow in patience, perspective, and perseverance – those “P” words again.
Remarkably, you will no longer be afraid, insecure, or proud. Instead, you will humbly live under the “shadow” of God’s miracles – as He defines and provides them.
Have You Received Your Sight?
Like the blind men Jesus healed, have you received your sight? Particularly, do you move forward anticipating what God is already doing? Indeed, do you remember His miracles and judgments. Additionally, are you aware of God’s present-tense power? Are you content just to have Jesus?
Critically, remember God loves you so much. Love Him back with all your heart, soul, mind, strength.
All those ideas help make our verses personal.
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
Do you need a miracle?- Importantly, do you believe God still performs miracles – even for you?
- Incidentally, do you recognize the best miracles often look completely different than you picture?
- Be honest. Are you deeply committed in every daily issue to –
-
- Believe Jesus?
- Obey Him?
-
- Do you trust Him and start down His path before you see what He’s doing?
- How are you presenting Christ to your friends, family, and around the world?
- What action steps will you put into practice to start living inside a miracle?
- How passionately do you want to know and love God?
- Do you partner with God to let Him transform you increasingly each day?
- Why not enjoy living in the “shadow” of God’s miracles?
* Portions of this content come 
from my book Shadows of Things To Come – a study in Hebrews. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and see His miraculous shadows over your life. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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