Whenever something takes place that defies explanation or common sense, we don’t hesitate to drop the “m” word. It’s easy to assign “miracle” status to things that transpire unexpectedly or without provocation because we’ve learned that “cause and effect” is a way of the world -- do this and that will happen. This logic, however, wrongly assumes that we are in control of not only our lives but also what happens to and around us (Romans 8:6). We watch circumstance, fate and serendipity take center stage to claim a portion, if not all, of the credit for things that elude human understanding. Sure, we make choices here and there, but by and large, the outcomes can seem perplexingly random and without reason (Romans 12:2). Why do certain people succumb to cancer? Why are others spared in accidents? Why is our intuitive reaction to immediately play out the “why not me” scenarios? God knows why… because miracles fit His plan and from what we may deem tragedy, amazing things will spring forth (Psalm 77:14). A single rose blooms amid a thick thatch of thorns or a multi-colored rainbow chases away the clouds of a spring shower. Indeed, indelible images of incredible beauty, but these simple creations also provide visual confirmation of our Savior’s existence. To actually see God’s blessings, you’ll want to keep your eyes open – He’s working hidden miracles through you, all around you and for you right now. And that, in itself, is no coincidence.
Yes, far too often the 'M' word is dropped more casually than a flyball to left in a 4-year old T-ball game. It's lost it's meaning as it's been overused to simply apply to worldly happenings. Hence, 'cause and effect' in that sense I agree becomes assumptively powerless. But when used in the spiritual realm, the Bible is clear if we do 'this' then 'this' will happen.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, if we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. If we continue to mock God and live in sin w/o repentance, we will die in our sins for eternity. This makes sense for the believer who understands that we are not just humans beings having a spiritual experience, but rather spiritual beings having a human experience. We have souls, wonderfully created souls, made to fellowship with God and spend eternity with Him. But if we choose the unpardonable sin to not believe, the effect will be the same fatal outcome, 100% of the time.
A gem of an 'M' which no non-believer can understand and assuredly many believers may have missed as well, is that of young Cassie Bernall. Ten years ago as she sat in her high school cafeteria, two armed 'classmates' strolled in looking to wipe out all "Christians". One of them approached her as they heard her praying and asked "Do you believe in God?" After a brief hesitation, she softly, yet boldly responded, "YES!" Immediately she was struck in the temple by a fatal bullet from the rifle of her questioning classmate. Where's the miracle there you wacko many might ask. But knowing how God hides His ways to the wicked and non-believing and yet reveals them to His children, we can look back and see this. Since that fateful day, dozens of Bible studies have sprung up, hundreds of sermons and articles have been written about her faith and thousands of young men and women have gave their life to Christ based upon that testimony.
God is everywhere and when the times are the darkest is when He shines the brightest. So when you hear the nay-sayers and haters bashing your God and you're feeling out-numbered and over-whelmed, worry not, the "M's" have it. For with God, one is still a majority.