Miracles of the Holy Spirit

 

The Bible talks about miracles, signs and wonders in a very specific and unique way.  A miracle in the Bible is limited to only being action from God which surpasses the natural laws of creation He originally placed in our world. However, today in our society, we use the word miracle in many different ways.

 

      a. God surpassing His laws in creation, as stated above and shown in

 the Bible over and over.

      b. God working mysteriously in extraordinary events of our daily life.

We should call this providence. Romans 11:33.

      c. God working through prayer, sometimes providing strength to heal and give

          physical life, sometimes providing strength to grow in wisdom, faith and

obedience. Acts 12:4-19.

      d. Satan working to deceive, Rev. 13:14, 2nd Cor. 11:13-15.

 

The dictionary says a miracle is, “any amazing or fortunate event”. But this is not the way God uses the word.  Our usage of the word ‘miracle’ in reflecting God’s activity in our lives, as being something He does and an acknowledgement of what we could not do by our self, is truly stretching the Biblical definition of a miracle.  However, when we talk of God’s activity and strength, we need to let people know that God provided it and that He is to be thanked and given the credit or glory for the activity, blessing or strength. Ephesians 1:16-20 & 2:8-10 & 3:14-21.

 

The ‘laying on’ of the Apostle’s hand was a unique way the miracles of God were being passed on to disciples, but they were to cease. Acts 8:14-20 & 1st Cor. 13:9-13.  The miracles performed by the apostles and disciples in the New Testament were to confirm the message they were teaching and living, Mark 16:20. Miracles defined as the Bible describes them, are not apparent today and we should not expect them.  However, we should expect God to work and pray for Him to be active in healing, deliverance and justice. God does not tell us to pray for Kings and all those in authority for no reason.  1st Tim. 2:2. In order for society to live a peaceful and godly life, we must have Christians praying and expecting God to be active and work upon them.  Just because the cessation of miracles is true, does not mean we do not pray for God to be active. The activity of confirming the word of God as true has been pursued and should still be pursued. As we preach, teach and talk about the gospel and God, He will draw people to Him through His love in His message, Romans 1:16, 15:30.

 

Miracles as defined by the Bible, are absent today in the church, but God’s strength and power isn’t.  The power to change lives, cleanse hearts, grow the fruit of the Spirit and deliver us through the resurrection is His, Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 1:4-5, 6:1-7.

 

When we are anxious about a physical struggle with pain, disease, death or persecution, we should use prayer with faith in God’s loving providential care and activity. Hebrews 13:1-6.

 

This week’s prayer pointer: Do we pray for God to intervene in our daily life? Do we believe when we pray, that God can do more than we even think or ask? Eph. 3:16-21.