Miracle Watching

“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today.’” Exodus 14:13

I have been asked if I believe in miracles. I, of course, answer yes. I am afraid, though, that this quick and simple response is often so general that it leaves my faith detached and safe from personal application.

I believe miracles are the work of God. They are an action that only God can do. I agree with Henry Blackaby who says “God is always at work around us.” If this is so, then everyday I am surrounded by miracles. I know, however, that I often miss His miracles and fail to recognize and enjoy His work in my life.

I think part of my problem is that the common definition of miracles is far too narrow and limiting. Miracles are too often seen as amazing displays of God over nature and the physical realm. These, of course, are examples of God’s activity. They are usually dramatic and instantaneous. and often rare.

Actually, I witness God doing His miraculous work on a daily basis – God doing the extraordinary in my ordinary days.

So like Moses and the Israelites, I have become a miracle watcher.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Several things are helping me to improve my spiritual vision as a miracle watcher.

First, I must have a continuous awareness of Gods presence and activity. I will seldom see what I am not looking for. Too much of the time, I only look for God when I desire something from Him. I have usually already worked out what God should do. along with how and when He should do it. So I attempt to create God in my own image. This near-sighted view blurs my vision of God, leaving me with a self-focused and weak faith. I end up substituting my plans, wisdom, and abilities for God’s best for my life.

Second, I must understand that God’s purpose for His miracles is to reveal and glorify Him. God’s miracles pull back the curtains of heaven so that I might get a glimpse of God-sized possibilities. When this happens, it stretches my mind, hope, and faith. The mundane of every day is ignited with an expectation of seeing my awesome God walking along side of me. I wonder how often I have longed for the God who has already promised He would never leave me or forsake me?

Third, like the Israelites I must be willing to take a step of faith. This is the only way I can truly experience the freedom of His miraculous work. This step will take me to places I have never been before – a step beyond my understanding, control, and comfort zone.

It seems that many times this is not just one step of faith, but a journey of faith. A journey where fear becomes joy and destruction becomes deliverance. A place where God’s supernatural seems natural.

I will continue to walk on God’s firm foundation through the sea of miracles He still provides everyday. I have seen His miracles in so many places:

* The miracle of saving me by His mercy, grace, and love.
* The miracle of transforming me into the likeness of His son.
* The miracle of a beautiful, loving and supportive wife and a daughter whom I treasure beyond words.
* The miracle of serving with a church full of people who are God’s handiwork.
* The miracle of seeing broken relationships restored.
* The miracle of people who have conquered addictions with the power of God.
* The miracle of witnessing people accepting Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

I have the privilege of watching God turn thirty years of physical injuries, operations, illnesses and disease into much more than enemies and hindrances. God has miraculously used the pain and challenges as companions on the journey. They have slowly transformed me and called me to God’s higher ground. Along the way, God has given me strength, patience, perspective, and a peace that surpasses my understanding. Now that’s a miracle!

“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

Miracle Watching,
Dan