Miracles come in many different forms, but they all represent God’s unending love for us.
Miracles happen all around us. In my life, I am blessed to travel the world meeting and ministering to people from all cultures and faiths. I’ve seen sick people healed, barren women conceive children, and bound men and women set free by the power of God.
I’ve also seen broken hearts mended, relationships restored and faded love rekindled. Miracles come in many different forms, but they all represent God’s unending love and mercy toward us.
According to the dictionary, a miracle is “a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of God … an occurrence at once above nature and above man.” It’s an event that can’t be explained as an act of man. It’s so amazing that God must be behind it!
Some people argue that miracles ceased when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. As the last recorded miracle of Jesus’ physical walk on earth, Lazarus’ resurrection is viewed by many as the end; as a culmination of the many signs, wonders and miracles that Jesus would ever perform here.
Not so! The days of miracles are far from over. Here’s proof: In Southeast Asia a 2-year-old boy was swept into the sea by the 2004 tsunami and was found safe hours later; people of different faiths and cultures came together for the first time in history to mourn the death of Pope John Paul II; and a 74-year-old man survived in his New Orleans home for more than 14 days with no food or water after Hurricane Katrina.
God is still very much in the miracle-working business! From the Virgin Birth to the Resurrection, the Bible constantly reminds us of the validity of miracles.
Jesus said in John 14:12, “’Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do’” (NKJV). Imagine that! You and I have been chosen to perform even greater works than Christ’s. It is through our hands that Jesus will heal the sick, raise the dead and restore the broken today. Are you up to the task?
Miracles can occur in any situation, but we are more apt to recognize them when it’s a matter of life or death. However, we all experience personal miracles every day that are no less significant.
Take you for example. You’re a walking, talking miracle. Your body is made of millions of cells, each crafted for a purpose. The body repairs itself, replenishes itself, compensates for missing elements and eliminates what it does not require.
God has used the tiniest details to make you unique, and no other person has been created to fulfill your destiny. Consider your spirit, the awesome restorative power that God has given you to overcome and bounce back from heartache, failure and loss. Think about all that God has brought you through.
Have you ever gone through something and thought: This is it! I know I cannot make it through this one-only to look back later and say, “Thank God, I made it”? That accomplishment alone is a miracle.
What about your faith? You move mountains based on your trust in the Father. That job you said you would get; you got it. That breakthrough you were waiting for; it came. Those miracles happened because you knew God would connect with your faith.
I’ve seen terminal diseases disappear from patients in an instant. I’ve watched single mothers provide for their families with little income. And I’ve witnessed people receiving Christ as their Savior.
It’s a new year, and you should rejoice in the knowledge that you not only are a miracle, but you also are destined to create them. No matter what we see happening around us, we should find peace in the knowledge that miracles blossom in faith.
Yield yourself to God and be a conduit for His power. Do that, and something miraculous will happen!
Paula White co-pastors Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida, with her husband, Randy, and preaches extensively throughout the United States and other countries. She is the author of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (Charisma House) and Deal With It! (Thomas Nelson). For more ministry information, visit www.paulawhite.org.
