One Sunday morning we heard a heartbreaking story of a little boy whose body would no longer support his soul. As a group, we went to the Lord in prayer for this young soul. Some prayed for his parents to have strength for this trial while others prayed for the little boy to be relieved of pain. Suddenly, a pastor began to add his prayers: prayers for deliverance, for complete healing, for a miracle. I don't know why we were shocked by his prayer. But, for some reason, we had all accepted the inevitable and had abandoned hope of complete recovery for this child. Did we no longer believe that God performs miracles?
Yes, of course, He DID many miracles in the past, but miracles seem so rare these days that I'm afraid we've stopped believing in His power. God has made it clear in His word and by His actions that miracles are not always the way He answers prayers. How He decides when to suspend the course of nature is beyond our comprehension. I'd rather pray for something that I know will have a sure answer than venture into the unknown of miracles. Perhaps this is just a picture of my heart, but I would guess there are plenty of other Christians who have become cynical about miracles. So, I held my breath when I heard my pastor's prayer for a miracle.
The next week we heard an amazing story. The boy was completely healed. No one could deny that God had intervened. Only God knows why He chose to heal this boy and not others. But, I wonder if He wasn't injecting new hope into our body of believers. A sense of elation that God cares about the least of us, even when He doesn't perform miracles. A window into all that God can do for us.
I was convicted that I had an unbelieving heart. I am still aware that miracles are not common occurances, but I want to have faith that dares to hope for the supernatural.
"Miracles have happened when God's people come together in prayer."
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Billy Graham ~Crystelle at Beloved Mama is our hostess for this week's "In other words."
Shannon, at Rocks in my Dryer , is hosting a huge giveaway! Isn't that exciting! I love to give something meaningful to my friends - as I shop, I always look for just the right item that fits our relationship and the individual's personality. So, if you stop by this little blog of mine, I think you might like this gift I've picked out. This fall, I have been nourished by the wisdom of Phillip Yancey in his recent book on prayer. Our Bible study has plumbed the depths of prayer with Yancey's help in this amazing book. My personal prayer life has been challenged and I have probed the deeper questions surrounding prayer with a beloved mentor. I would love for you to enjoy this book too. I'll be giving the book away to one blessed commenter. So, leave a comment here and I'll be drawing a name next week to give away this treasure box full of well-mined jewels from God's Word and life's experiences. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the draw...
Comments
This was great.
Many times I've prayed "O Lord help this unbelieving heart". I'm so glad He doesn't depend on us to do the supernatural!
What an awesome testimony, thanks for sharing it, my faith has been increased!
Blessings to you my friend~
*I love your blog too!*
I totally understand your point.
Great thoughts.
God is into miracles. We just don't recognize them because they aren't what we expected.
Months after this incident I prayed fervently for God to cure my grandfather of a brain tumor. It didn't happen. He died in September of 2002. I don't understand it and I don't know why but I have to know that He knows best.
I do believe that we are all being called to a higher level of faith. One that doesn't require tangible evidence but spritual trust.
Thanks for the great post!
Blessings,
Sandy
Halleluiah!