If you pray for a miracle, but said miracle does not happen, has God failed you? Have you prayed for a miracle and then doubted God’s power and provision when such a miracle did not occur?
In Acts 3, there is an incredible story of the miraculous healing of a man who had been crippled since birth. In fact, the man was resigned to his crippled state and was only asking for money, not for healing. Yet, God showed great mercy and grace to this man and healed him, giving him a gift far greater than what he expected.
Is that not how God so often works? We think we want or need one thing, but God gives us something else. We think we know just what we need, but God opens our eyes to His bigger purpose.
Still, sometimes things do not go well. Sometimes, miracles do not happen (at least not yet). Sometimes, we find ourselves disappointed, desperate, and hurting. Life is full of tragedy and heartache, so what are we to do? How are we to respond?
If you are always looking for the next miracle in this life, you will eventually be let down. That is, let down unless you discover the ultimate miracle.
There is only one miracle that lasts forever, and that is the miracle of a changed heart made right with God. And, there is only one message that brings about such a change – the message of the gospel (the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation – the salvation of everyone who turns away from sin and turns to Him).
Yes, miracles like physical healing can and do happen, but they are not promised. What is promised is the eternal healing and restoration for everyone who trusts the message of the gospel and surrenders to Jesus as a result.
The message never fails.
On Sunday morning, Lord willing, I will be preaching through Acts 3 and sharing how we can make sure we are finding our hope in the lasting message and not the temporary miracles. “The Message of Our Purpose” will likely be available HERE sometime Sunday afternoon.
Yes, pray for miracles. Yes, rejoice when they happen. When the miracles do not happen, though, God is still in control. His plan is still perfect. His way is still right. His message is still certain. The message never fails. Praise the Lord!
DrakeCity 