The God of Miracles

Many times, when we hear people talk about the miracles of God, we perceive it as God doing something miraculous to bring about a positive outcome.  And yes, God DOES perform miracles like this every single day all over the world. He heals people of every disease, He restores relationships, He empowers the addict to kick the habit, He restores sight to the blind, He draws sinners to himself to receive healing in their hearts and salvation for their souls.  The Bible is full of stories such as these.

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy^[b] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.  Matthew 11:4-5

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”  Matthew 4:23

It is easy to praise God and trust in Him when things are going well and we see miracles such as these happening around us.  But what about those times when our prayers seem to go unanswered?  Those times when we cry and beg, praying and desperately asking God to intervene.  Those times when we really NEED that new job, when a loved one is in the hospital, when your child is missing, when we don’t have enough money to pay the bills, when someone in your life is abusing you or someone you love, when you’re pregnant, going into early labor and begging God to save your baby. And then, despite all your prayers and petitions to God, the thing you fear the most happens anyway.

Is God any less mighty or less loving when our prayers aren’t answered the way we expect them to be; when we are experiencing unbelievable pain and loss?  Is God still good when the enemy of your soul comes to you in those dark hours and whispers in your ear that you are unworthy and God doesn’t really love you?

My friends, let me encourage your heart.  God IS continually GOOD and His love and mercies will never cease! It is times like this when we need to remind ourselves that God is LOVE, that He is GOOD, and His character doesn’t change.  The Bible assures us that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He is the Creator of this whole universe, He knows you by name, and He loves you so very much.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

So why does God allow bad things to happen? Partly this is due to the fact that we live in a broken, sinful world, and sometimes there are natural consequences that occur.  And sometimes, as we learn in the Book of Job, God allows us to be tested for various reasons.  That being said, we are assured in scripture that God can take what the enemy intended for evil and turn it around and use it for good.  We can trust Him that, no matter what He allows to occur in our lives, that He’s in control and that someday He will turn our mourning into dancing. Psalm 30 promises us that wailing and sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Many times God will, if you allow Him to, use you to minister to others who are going through a similar pain that you have already endured.

Following is a tremendous worship song called Miracles.  This is a song of declaration about God’s love and power, but it was birthed out of the tremendous grief and loss of a child-yet-born.  It is the confession of a grieving father who, despite his unbearable heartbreak, is reminding himself that no matter what we face in life, God IS a good and loving God, that He IS a God of miracles and He’s deserving of our faith and trust.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
¹² I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

¹³ Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God?
¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:11-14

My hope is that God will speak to your heart as you listen to this song, and that your heart will be encouraged that He IS a God of miracles!

Until next time, be blessed!