Does The Miraculous Still Exist?
2 Timothy 3:1-5
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
There is this debate among many in the Christian faith. I have heard some people who outright believe that miracles no longer happen. I want to start by saying this, if miracles no longer happen, what do you believe in.
Let’s turn to the Word. Our God is a miraculous God, He always has been. In all of creation we see the miraculous made into everyday events. The problem is, because we commonly see so many, they become less spectacular in our minds. We are told in the beginning of Romans that creation tells us about our God’s personality. That being said, we must first start there and then consider, if God does such basic things in such an extraordinary way, why would it be hard to believe He would do greater? The truth is, from Genesis through Revelation we see a God, who over every part of human history both past and future does miraculous works. So then, I pose this question: if this God who Himself claims to be the same yesterday, TODAY, and forever always did miraculous things in the past and says He will in the future, why would we even remotely surmise He wouldn’t today? I’ll tell you, it is because miracles are not common place and the reason for this is not God.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Jesus told many people who were healed that it was “their faith” that accomplished their desire. The Bible explains to us that faith is what we believe about God. Those who don’t believe receive nothing. Jesus said, “All things are possible to those who believe (have faith).” People don’t see miracles because people don’t believe in them. I will tell you though, we believe in miracles and we see them. We will see even more!
God’s divine nature is shown in awe inspiring and miracle-working power. Jesus came in part to show us how to live, get back to us the things that were lost through sin, and equip us to go into the world and win a lost and dying people back to the Kingdom of God. His nature and direction has not changed but His people have. They forget Who their God is. Remember in the famous Lord’s Prayer when we say, “On earth AS IT IS in Heaven”?
Let me end with this thought: if God no longer does miracles, then why bother praying? One reason we pray is to petition God to move miraculously on a situation that is impossible naturally. That isn’t the only reason for prayer but I will tell you that by and large the majority of people who “believe” use prayer for only that. Many of these people are the same people who believe that miracles are a thing of the past. Sooner or later we need to do a heart check on what we believe and why we believe it. If we can’t believe in what the Word of God shows us, what’s the point of doing or living by any of it? God still does great things because God is a great God. I’m sold on it, are you?
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jeff