Acknowledging Miracles
No god is as great as [our God]. [He is] the God who works miracles. (Psalm 77:13-14 GNT)
A favorite worship chorus of mine is Same God–perhaps you know it. I love this song as it acknowledges God as consistently the same, doing what He’s always done-- healing, providing, delivering and saving in miraculous ways. God does this because this is who He is, and this will never change. And although I believe this to be true, I confess that sometimes I fail to acknowledge that the same God who performed these outstanding miracles, is still a God of miracles, and is also continually working miracles in, around and through me.
Miracles Every Day
The truth is, God works in magnificent and miraculous ways every day. Yet sadly due to busyness, distraction, callousness and obliviousness, we often miss the extraordinary breaking through our ordinary. In addition, I think sometimes we’re hesitant to label breakthroughs and blessings as miracles because the term has been overused and abused. Still, we simply can’t miss the fact that the God of the Universe is working on our behalf, accomplishing for us what we could never do on our own. And this is, in fact, a miracle.
Missing the Miracle
The story of the Exodus is a primary example of missing the miracle—a miracle that began with the Red Sea splitting so the Israelites could walk through it. And as if this weren’t spectacular enough, every day for forty years God supernaturally provided food for His people by sending manna from heaven.
In addition, the Israelite’s clothes did not wear out, nor did their sandals after four decades of walking. Yet despite all of this, they failed to see God working on their behalf. And sadly, instead of worship and gratitude, they chose grumbling and complaining, and as a result they missed the miracle altogether.
It's tempting for me, and perhaps for you, to review the Israelites' story and conclude they were incredibly clueless. Yet, if we’re honest, I think we’d agree we’re not much different than they.
I say this, as everyday God provides, protects, guides, talks, and walks with us, which is a flat-out miracle. Yet, how often do we, much like the Israelites, fail to acknowledge His miracles?
Miracles Over Time
As I considered this, I realized that although some miracles happen instantly, the greater majority occur gradually over time in response to faith-filled prayer. And while these types of miracles are no less stellar than the instantaneous ones, it's possible, due to length of time, to lose sight of the fact that a miracle has in fact occurred. I share this with confidence, as this became incredibly clear to me last week.
My Miracle
One year ago, my husband and I reconnected with our daughter following a lengthy break in our relationship. There is much to our story as you might imagine. But for now, I want to share that we have reestablished a loving relationship with our daughter, who at one time we weren’t sure we’d ever see again. Following our most recent visit with her, my husband and I sat together reflecting on all that had transpired over the past year. And with gratitude and joy we both acknowledged it has been nothing short of a miracle!
So perhaps today, take some time recounting all God has done for you, acknowledging Him as the same God He has always been–faithful, trustworthy, holy, and good. And if you find yourself in need of a miracle, pray to Your Father who loves you, trusting in His will, timing and plan, and never stop believing.
Pray
Gracious Father, I acknowledge You as the God of miracles, the only One who makes the impossible possible. Thank you for working on my behalf, accomplishing in, through and for me, what I could never accomplish on my own. You are an amazing God, and I am grateful to you! I praise You in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflect
How are you encouraged, knowing God is working on your behalf, accomplishing for you what you could not do on your own?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE or in the Comments section below.