Sometimes Miracles Hide - Bruce Carroll

Miracles.

     Do we really believe in them?  I think many Christians (and even non-Christians) believe in the idea of miracles.  We are hopeful for miracles in times of desperation; and if things turn out the way we wished for - we may even refer to it as a miracle.  But what about those times when things don't happen according to what we hope for?

     First, let's examine the main purpose of all miracles.  Someone has said, "One could say Christ's miracles were parables in deeds, just as His parables were miracles in words."  Of course, the purpose of Jesus telling parables was to reveal spiritual messages of Good News.  Miracles are meant to do the same.  First and foremost, they reveal the power of God through Jesus Christ, and that He is in control of all things.

     It's my belief that miracles are never meant to be about us as much as they are about God.  God chooses to miraculously heal or not to heal.  Whether He heals or not does not determine the miracle.  The miracle can be the healing or the "not healing"; which means sometimes we have to look beyond the wish for healing in order to see the real miracle.

     Let me give you an example.  Helen and I have special friends who have a disabled child.  When their daughter was an infant they found out that she would be severely mentally challenged for life.  We have visited their home many times, and their daughter is usually present.  Even though she can not communicate, she is always acknowledged in our conversations and included as part of the visit.

     I greatly admire this family.  There is a love for their daughter constantly transpiring among them that goes beyond normal ways of expression.  I guess I feel that they are a part of God's work in miracles.  It's not simply an instant healing, or having a debt miraculously erased.  They are a living, continuous miracle of God, unfolding bit by bit each and every day.

     I guess what I am saying is that everything about life can be considered a miracle from God, because everything flows from God's power and control.  He breathes into us the breath of life, and everything beyond that is one blessing after another.  What a difference it would make if we could have this approach to life.

     Then again, sometimes God reveals His power and glory beyond the ordinary - and we can be thankful for that as well.  The point is though, don't simply base your belief in miracles on the extraordinary ones over the "hidden ones."  Miracles come to us in different ways: sometimes in the supernatural; but most times, as precious gifts in normal everyday living.  I think these music videos say it all.  Enjoy. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgZvax0NKSg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_0K-gPlyb0&NR=1&feature=fvwp


Blessings,

-Leo