Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-40; Psalm 65:5-8; Exodus 12:40-42,51; Exodus 14:21-31; Exodus 19:16-25; Exodus 7:3-5
Seeing is not believing.
I ask for miracles all the time. I implore God for snow days, chase after lost causes, and jockey for acclaim. I ask God to change people. I ask Him to change me. And most of all, I ask Him to heal.
The possibility of miracles is such lush fruit to my imagination. It means that anything is possible. God could pop down, give a little nudge, and fix any problem. And when He doesn’t, it’s confusing. If He could do a miracle, why doesn’t He do one for me?
In preparing for this study, I noticed that Jesus doesn’t do miracles on command. He isn’t anybody’s trick pony. In fact, He blesses those “who do not see, and yet believe” (John 20:29), and He rebukes a generation that “seeks for a sign” (Matthew 12:39). And, man, I do love a good sign.
It seems if Jesus were just willing to do a bit of skywriting, all would believe and the world would be saved. It’s so much easier to ask for a sign instead of looking to the person of Christ, to hunt after what He can do for us instead of who He is. His miracles aren’t His message, but rather a testament to who He is. And even those who witnessed His miracles did not necessarily believe.
This study focuses on miracles performed by Jesus. But for a big picture, let’s step back and look at all kinds of miracles in the Bible. When reading any scripture, I ask myself, “What is God doing in this passage?” These passages on miracles make it easy to answer that question and learn more about the character of God in the process.
He is supreme and omnipresent: God shows His unearthly power when He scorches the dripping-wet sacrifices for Elijah at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18).
He is sovereign and omnipotent: He is the Master of nature and quiets the storms (Matthew 8:23-27).
He is merciful and good: He is the source of our salvation (John 3:16; Hebrews 5:7-10).
He is holy and omniscient: He is the thundering presence on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19).
Miracles are one of the ways God expresses His “otherness” to us. They reveal Him in His power, and show us He is not like us. The rules of nature that bind us do not bind Him. The laws of a created world are amendable by the One who created it.
As we read through this study, think about what Jesus’ miracles tell us about His character. Remember that these are nothing less than acts of God performed by Immanuel, “God with us.” Although signs and wonders may not accompany every moment of our lives, the One who makes them possible does.
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170 thoughts on "What Is a Miracle?"
Love spending time in God’s word!
Almost ten years ago, my daughter had open heart surgeries and doctors called my husband and told him to prepare for her death. But God. I put my face on the ground that day and the cry of my heart was “No God! Not my baby!” The Lord and I had a moment there where He told me to pick myself up and walk in faith to her room and choose what I will bury her in. I did. It was my Abraham and Isaac moment. But God. He was sovereign – and he allowed my miracle to live. And now, as I lay here and read this devotional this morning, she rolls over to me and says “I love you, Mommy” with a big hug and kiss and my heart is aware, once again, of a miracle I’ve witnessed.
Enjoying this plan☺️
I read day 1 of the bible study. Sometimes the miracles I have prayed for would not actually have been a miracle ( in hindsight). Most of the things I want were materialistic not a health miracle or miracle financially etc. I loved how in our reading he had went and rebuked a generation that seeks for a sign. That struck my soul to the core. It was very powerful to read. I now feel guilty always saying where is my sign God oh send me a Sign so I know. When in reality God asked me and everyone who believes in him to seek him for guidance and the choices we are to make in order for us to see those miracles in our life.
Cannot wait to learn more about Jesus through this study!
The mere existence of miracles is such a blessing. Miracles are amazing for more than one reason. Yes, they are God’s hand blessing us…but they are also God’s way of reminding us that yes, He is engaged in us, yes, he is paying attention. They are a peak behind the curtain that is the mystery and awe of God. I am honored to see Him in His miracles.
Sometimes the miracles I have prayed for would not actually have been a miracle (in hindsight). How hard it is to trust God when we pray for miracles that don’t materialize. Sometimes, though, that too can be a miracle, we just don’t know it until we’ve traveled down the road a little further…
Very excited to start this study
I often wonder if the things happening around us are miracles that we just can’t see. I don’t believe God is only about miracles, but if we could only see clearly, what astonishing feats would be revealed to us every moment? Our human brains likely could not comprehend or bear the beauty and majesty of God. The miracle of forgiveness is the greatest of all of these, and it is within the grasp of every one if us. Praise God and His precious son Jesus Christ!
Such a good reminder to see who God is and not what he can do for us. Even though what he does for us he does in love. I was telling my little girls about how great he is good his power just last night and his goodness and how holy he is. It’s easy to forget that sometimes
The miracle of love! Praise God for you and your girls.
Blessed to call him my King.
Sometimes I myself forget to look for Jesus in scripture. I read because it’s what I’m “supposed to know.” This reminded me to read to know Jesus’ character and know HIM. love love love already.
Lord, Your miracles aren’t Your message, but a testament of who You are. Help me find You in EVERY situation I am faced with. You are the great creator, the great deliverer. Sometimes I feel that I need to be delivered from myself. Draw me close to You.
That’s how amazing He is.
His miracles are beyond me and my thinking.
This is such a great reminder of how powerful and righteous our God is, I love how in Psalm 65 it says that He ansewrs us with awesome deeds of righteousness. It may not be what I want or ask for, but He will be righteous. When I was reading Exodus 14 I also noticed part of Exodus 15 which really caught my attention. In verse 9 it starts with “The enemy boasted I will pursue, I will over take them…” but in the next verse it says “But YOU blew with your BREATH and the sea is COVEREd by them. They sank like LEAD in the mighty waters”… Our God can destroy the enemy with his BREATH! and make things sink like lead! This completely gave me hope today!
“He rebukes those who search for a sign.”
I have experienced several miracles in my walk with God but im pretty excited to continue reading and studying through this plan. I have gotten to a point in my life where i have ask God to help me know Him and follow and serve Him simply for who He is. Not for what he can do for me. And this plan is a wonderful remider of His power and Majesty. We serve an Awesome God!
Amen Wendy! I am always telling myself, “pray, wait, trust”. No matter what the outcome, it has always led me to where I’m supposed to be!
I’ve never thought if a miracle as being more than for salvation or healing purposes. This devotional (day 1) is allowing me to see the many ways in which God uses miracles to reveal His character. It serves as a great reminder of how God shows Himself and educates others on who He is, through the miracles He bestows upon us. As I’m batting breast cancer, this is my prayer- that the miracles performed through me be a testament to His character, that believers an unbelievers may say “I have seen Yahweh”. Loving this devotional so far!
Praying for you!
“The rules of nature that bind us do not bind Him.” What a powerful statement. Often times my plans are ruined from a rain storm or sickness or some unexpected force of nature. I have zero control over those things and have learned to just work around those circumstances. BUT. God is not restricted nor bound by stormy weather… he simply moves the clouds and proves His power. That sentence hit me hard this morning and it put God in perspective. He is absolutely the most powerful force… the one can do anything; the one who has control. I think… in today’s society of self-righteous mindsets… we need to be reminded that God is more powerful than us. No matter how great we are… God is greater.
SRT- Thanks for a great first post to this series!
I receive this in my heart. 4yrs ago an aneurysm ruptured in my brain left me lying on the ground outside, I was in a coma, had a stroke while in that coma. Last year had bile duct surgery, thank God it wasn’t cancerous surgery went good & through the Grace of God im here.. through all my faults the Lord showed Mercy & Grace
Thank you for sharing your story! So grateful for you.
– Stormye
This is just what I needed. Been a follower of Chirst since I was a child. 41 now and I can’t do the normal “Read through the Bible” again. This is fresh and touched me immediately. Can’t wait to settle in and enjoy His Living Word again!
I am “settling into” this study like a big comfy chair. Praying for a fresh revelation of this miracle working God I serve.
Such a good intro to this study. Love the food for thought, Do we want what He can do for us, or to get to know who He is? Looking forward to the rest of the study!
His reading definitely opened my eyes! What a great first read… can’t wait to see what the rest holds!
This is an incredible ‘Day 1’ Looking forward to the rest of this series and learning more about WHO GOD IS! Thank you for this!
I am one to always look for signs from The Lord…but, I am learning to delight myself in His presence..knowing that all other things “will be added unto me” according to His riches in glory!
Yes!! I am trying to teach my children to see God throughout their day.
His miracles are not merely for my benefit or needs. He shows His power and brings glory to Himself. How self-centered I am at times!
We might not always experience miracles on a regular basis, but the one who performs the miracles, is always with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
I love how it said God blesses those who don’t see yet believe. It’s so powerful! Also how God doesn’t show us miracles to send a message, he does it to show WHO he is. He is a powerful and loving God.
What really struck me as I read through these passages (and the devotional) today, is how God’s miracles in these situations were not just for His people (the Israelites) but also for others: His plan went far above and beyond simply protecting and providing for Israel, but also included opening the eyes of the rest of the world to His power and character. I so often pray for miracles solely for my own benefit, but now feel that I should pray that God would ultimately use them to point others to Himself as well!
I love focusing on God…in everything. Everything about our lives should point us back to Jesus. I love the last sentence of this devo: “Although signs and wonders may not accompany every moment of our lives, the One who makes them possible does.” It’s not even about the miracles, but about the ONE who makes the miracles happen. The miracles may not always happen (or be with us), but the ONE who makes them, is. Wow, wow, wow. We truly have everything we need in Christ. Even when we don’t have the marriage we want or the kids we want or the job or the house or the health or the family. He may bless us with miracles in the midst of all of these “wantings” or “havings,” but regardless…we have CHRIST….and therefore we have EVERYTHING. LORD, help us to be content in You, trusting, in awe and completely humbled in the gift of Your presence in our lives. Thank You, Jesus.
This is SO beautiful and eye opening!! God bless you and your ministry. I can’t wait to buy your stuff!!
This Denise agree with the other Denise. I have chills…
I don’t understand how there were obvious miracles back then but not now…
I think you should of found some of your answers in day 2 and 3 did you?
The person who does the miracles always accompanies every moment of my life !!!! WOW !
I like this study because it talks about Miracles he’s performed and how. It just really warms my heart that someone so great is always here for us and loves us very much.
Such an encouraging thought! To be loved by Jesus is a miracle in itself :)
I think this study will bring much enlightenment! Especially because many people who don’t believe usually try to poke fun at the miracles or try to argue their skepticism over it. I hope this study brings me to more of an understanding for the miracles and why they were done, so that I may spread the good news and hopefully reach the heart of someone who doesn’t believe!
I’m excited for this study! Im convicted by the distinction of praying for miracles based on my wants vs desiring to know God’s character more deeply. Praying that my heart would desire relationship and growth with Christ more than the things of the world.
I feel the same way! Especially in light of some current situations in which I’ve been praying for people to change. I need to focus more on seeing God than getting the outcomes I want.
Yes! Love that.
I just noticed that it states in Exodus : ‘all the hosts’ … wow what a supernatural scene that must have been. The Israelites seeing this awesome miracle.. Just for them.. and this week coincides with the Passover week.. Jehovah Shalom !!
I remember the time my father was dying 6 years ago. I was praying and hoping for a miracle, but nothing happened. But in the hospital was a quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which said:
“Keinen Weg läßt Gott uns gehen, den er nicht selbst gegangen wäre und auf dem er uns nicht voraus geht!”
Just free translatet: There is no way you have to walk, on which God did not walked before and on which He is not walking in front of us!”
This gave me so much trust and faith, although my father faded away I could find my peace with his dead. Today, after this lection of study, I understand this a lot better. Thank you. Bless you.
Thank you for this encouragement, Claudia! What a beautiful testament to the Lord. Grateful for you this morning!
Hi everyone~ I don’t mean to bother any of you but I am new here. I just got my SRT bible yesterday and I haven’t received my Miracles Study guide yet. I don’t want to get behind. Is there someone who would be willing to explain how all of this works? Thank you for any help that you can provide.
Hi Michele! Welcome! So glad you are studying with us. The study guides are a companion to the daily readings that can be found either on the app or our website. They have the Scripture printed as well as daily reflection questions and space for journaling so you shouldn’t fall too far behind! You can engage with the online community through the comments section (like you’ve just done – great job!) and talk about any thoughts or questions you have about the day’s Scripture and devotional reading.
I hope this helps! We are so grateful to have you in the SRT community!
– Stormye
Hi sorry to ask the same question, but where exactly do we find the study guides? I looked on my app and on the website. I would love to use it along with this new study!
Meghan: I am using an iPhone 6. So the instructions I am providing are based on that platform. When opening the SRT app you’ll see a menu (three horizontal lines in the upper left hand corner). When you touch the menu, a series of information will appear. The very first thing on the list is Search Bible, right below it, is Today’s Reading. I hope that is helpful for you.
Hi Meghan! If you are looking for the printed study books they are available at ShopSheReadsTruth.com! Otherwise, you can follow along each day on our app or website. Hope this helps!
– Stormye
“It’s so much easier to ask for a sign instead of looking to the person of Christ, to hunt after what He can do for us instead of who He is. His miracles aren’t His message, but rather a testament to who He is.”
As I’ve traveled a long journey of cancer with my 16 y/o son, this is something I’ve wrestled with. Although I don’t expect God to miraculously heal my son, I do believe He has the power to do so. I ask God why He heals some on Earth and others’ healing won’t occur till they are in Heaven.
I appreciate the reminders today of who God is. And the encouragement that in all my ups and downs, my joys and sorrows, what is most important is that I keep searching for who God is and he encouraged that He will walk with me through this life.
Laura, thank you for sharing this. It is so encouraging to hear your hope in the midst of such a trying experience in life. Praying for your son and asking God to move in big ways. Grateful for you, friend.
– Stormye
Prayers for your son and for you as you walk through such a hard time.
It’s a good reminder that “God doesn’t do miracles on command.” There have been so many times in my life that I’ve prayed for an issue wanting a specific turnout. God doesn’t do miracles on command. How easy is it for me to take these these small instances of God really just saying no and let the doubt creep in…then I look at the world around me and am in awe and am reminded that He is holy, He is merciful, He is all knowing. He is God.
Amen, agree with this 100%. :) Thank you for sharing!
I love this quote:
C.S. Lewis
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
This is perfect.
Yes! I love this quote!
Viewing miracles as who He is instead of what He does is such an amazing perspective and I love that it is called out. Sometimes I think we emphasize the greatness of the miracles because of the impossibility of it, instead of understanding God’s heart towards the receivers of the miracles. He loves Israel so much that he wanted to see them free and fought for them, even if they were comfortable being in Egypt as slaves. Sometimes we may be comfortable in our situation but God is working out a miracle for us, and I pray we have eyes to see those day-to-day miracles.
“Although signs and wonders may not accompany every moment of our lives, the One who makes them possible does.”- Love this ❤
So beautiful ❤️
I am so grateful for this study and all the comments. I have been so inconsistent in my quest to “know Him” before I am “asking of Him”. My heart is yearning to feel His presence with this proper goal to know Him and embrace His ways in a deeper way. This is my first SRT study and I’m in the midst of many uncertainties with my professional and personal life that lead me to feel alone, fearful and scared. I would appreciate your prayers especially tomorrow in a critical job call about my future with my company and already feel peaceful just starting the study tonite. Bless you all.
Gos Bless you and may it all fall in yoir favor tomorrow, remember God is always there, sending a prayer for you!
Praying for you, MW!!
Praying for you, MW. So glad to have you studying with us.
– Stormye
Bless you all for your prayers and please continue them….
I really needed this because sometimes I’m guilty of asking God for this or that in my prayers and sometimes get a little disappointed when it doesn’t happen. Of course, I give praise and thanks but get a little discouraged when I feel like prayers are going unanswered.
A good reminder tonight of how big and powerful God is. Sometimes I forget.
How do I know that God shows us a sign? I have grown up in a church and I always believed in him but I’ve grown distant lately. I pray to him and cry out to him but I never feel anything or hear anything. I don’t see a sign. I will appreciate any answers. Thank you
Often, when I feel distant from God, it is because it is not in his timing to speak to me yet. Whether it is a lesson I need to learn by my own failure, or he is simply waiting for me to see what he has already placed before me, I feel that he is waiting on me to open my heart to his will. God’s timing is not our timing, but that does not mean that he doesn’t love you or care for your struggles. It is hard, perhaps the most heartbreaking thing, I know. We are here with you, and most importantly, he is with you too.
Are you in need of repentance of anything? Sometimes God is just silent and asks us to wait but sometimes (in my experience) when I can’t feel His presence, it’s not because He’s not there, it’s because I’ve built a wall between us.
Kristen! My heart goes out to you and I’m praying for you. Often times in our walk with the Lord, we reach a point in our faith when we don’t “feel” the presence of God. I want to encourage you not to let your emotions get in the way of your faith. Don’t rely on what your heart is feeling because it can be very deceitful to us. It’s dangerous to equate our faith to whatever we feeling because our emotions are constantly changing. Instead ask God “what are you saying?”
1 Corinthians 3:6 says,”I planted the seed, Apollo watered it, but God has been making it grow.” God has planted a seed in you and He’s growing that seed. As the seed grows, we can only see the outward appearance of the plant. However, God is also growing and developing your roots. Roots aren’t something we can see with our physical eye. Knowing that God is the one who grows us, we can place our faith and confidence in Him. He is in control. God is working behind the scenes and in the hidden places. God is here with you. I pray that you would be able to see life through a Heavenly perspective and that you will seek Him wholeheartedly. There are times you may feel frustrated in the process of growing. Continue to lay it down to God. He loves you and yearns to be in a relationship with you.
Usually, when I got to a doctor’s visit, I’m so nervous. This was a big appointment too. My miracle today, small to some but monumental to me, was not being nervous, knowing He has me where He needs me. As I read today’s scriptures, I received clarity. God will intervene as only He can do. I haven’t been praying for healing because the honest truth is, even though I KNOW God heals and I KNOW I just need to pray, I still have not connected to the fact He can physically heal me. When I read the intro to the book just now, I sat stunned. He has me where He wants me. To think I almost skipped this one!
This is me as well. But sometimes I put limits on God. I know He can heal me but is my six+ week cold really as important as my friend with cancer. If You are healing people Lord, I need to focus on them and not me. They need it more–as if God can only heal so many.
Yeah, I know the feeling
I am the same way. I never pray for things because I feel my prayers aren’t as important as others. They’re are kids starving, friends fighting cancer families being torn apart and I just want to know God’s will and direction for my career. Seems selfish to even ask Him, but my mentor keeps telling me Ge is a great God with no limits and EVERY prayer from his children is just as important as the next. We are wrong to put limits on Him.
Often times we try to live our own lives and believing that we can can only rely on ourselves and no one else (including God). I think back to the good and the bad and they are all because of God – not me. Miracles are a way to humble us to an extent. They show God’s love and supreme power, yet points out the power we lack in a totally loving way!
Miracles are a way of God pointing us to himself.
This is such a gread thinking, love this. Thank you for sharing!
This spoke volumes to me… I have been unemployed for 3+ months now, and often find myself “asking” for an opportunity and to find something. As humans we often turn to prayer in selfish ways, hoping for immediate results, and become dissatisfied when we don’t get results or answers immediately.
Yesterday at church our preacher really stressed that He is our salvation, and all forgiving and protecting. Though we can go to Him with our problems and worries, we should not expect an immediate fix.
I so look forward to seeing the daily miracles He gives, and recognizing them as just that “miracles”
Praying for you, Stacy. Asking the Lord to provide for you in this time of uncertainty. Grateful for you!
– Stormye
I believe God works miracles everyday all the time. We just need to slow down and notice them. Yes, I’d like God to heal my metastatic melanoma and I know He can. But I don’t have to ask Him to every time I talk to Him because He knows my heart. I think right now I just want to know what I’m suppose to do with this season of my life to bring Him glory and be faithful through it.
Praying for you, Denise. Asking God for healing and thanking Him for you.
– Stormye
I think there are more miracles than we recognize, so we have to learn to see them! Thank you for sharing your ideas!
“His miracles..a testament to who HE IS.” This line (although already emphasized) hit me in many ways. It got me to think about how much “asking” we do in prayer. We ASK for a sign, we ASK for healing, we ASK to please allow us to get a job, we ASK for so many things! Although the readings show us many examples of the miracles that were performed, ASKING for a miracle/sign is not what God wants from us. I know that I ask for things in prayer way too often. I am going to work on praising and thanking. Rather than “asking” to receive a job, how about thanking the Lord for the skills that he has given us to complete a specific task; thanking the Lord for the time we have spent with our loved ones that may need healing; thanking Him for waking us up each morning…with this sort of prayer conversation can we truly see that all these things are MIRACLES! When we “ask” we tend to look at the result as an “answer” versus a miracle or a testament of who our God truly is. In reality, God has blessed us with many, many miracles already!!
I can not wait to give more praise to my Lord and to start seeing the “answered prayers” as miracles that he works in my life daily!
Psalm 107:1 “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love is everlasting.”
Love this perspective! Thank you for sharing!
I was convicted when I read this, and I needed it, greatly. I work as an RN on an oncology floor and many times I find myself asking, “Why doesn’t God make Himself known to them and heal them?” I forget the trials of this life, including illness, has a purpose in God’s divine plan. Our vision as humans is finite. I pray as I read through this study I may know more of the character of God Himself and continue to remember a lack of a miracle does not indicate God’s absence.
“If He could do a miracle, why doesn’t He do one for me?”
Ugh, I have been so plagued by this kind of thinking, wondering why God has set me aside and done things for others that I have so hoped he would do for me. And because He hasn’t done those miracles for me, I get stuck in this cycle of unbelief, thinking, “if you haven’t after all this time, why would you do it now (or later)?”
I loved this: “He blesses those “who do not see, and yet believe” (John 20:29).” Lord, help me get out of this cycle of unbelief so that I can believe even when I do not see or even when I cannot imagine!!! I know the answer is not to put my hope in the promises of God, or the miracles I’m hoping for, but in the PROMISER, and the one who brings the miracles! Help keep me focused on YOU, Jesus! And want YOU more than I want any of your miracles!
You are not alone! I am wrestling with this very mindset. After walking through years of seemingly unanswered prayers, it’s easy to doubt and even question His love. It’s discouraging when it seems the trials only become more painful and relief doesn’t come. I’ve realized I’ve built some walls in this part of my relationship with Him. BUT. I am learning as God has recently been stirring in my heart, that He is much greater than the small box I’ve thought of Him to be. Praying for you and myself that The Lord would work in our hearts to help us believe! Especially in light of Hebrews 11:6. (Without faith it is impossible to please God…)
I am looking forward to this study and started the book today. I love that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That His miracles that are interfering with the natural order of things. God is always at work, drawing all to Him, and proclaiming His name throughout the earth. What I absolutely love about these studies is how its all about the Word. The questions have you dig into the scripture you read and to really meditate on it and how it affects your life.
I do have one questions since I am newer to this. I know it spoke of the online community and doing these studies together. Is that done on a certain page or just within these comments? Thank you so much!
Welcome Worldreacher ! This is the online community and we are so glad that you have joined with us to study His Word! We learn so much from the comments of these wonderful women of God.
Hi Worldreacher! So glad to have you studying with us! The online community is where you can join with other “shes” reading truth. Great questions! Welcome.
– Stormye
I needed this today, as I near graduation and complete uncertainty. It was so good to remember that God is with me always, even in the moments that I don’t see him. It’s humbling to realize that I need to quit asking for, and expecting, a sign that he’s with me every step of the way.
I have a prayer request. I’ve struggled with lust and I’ve decided that I’m done with it. I would appreciate you joining me in prayer for complete deliverance and freedom from this distractor. It will no longer have a hold on me, in Jesus’ name!
Amen. Abba will answer your prayers. Keep Him first and when you feel the urge (cuz Satan will tempt you) go to Abba Father’s word and tell Satan get lost bcuz Jesus is your Lord and Savior and He will never abandon you.
I bore that struggle for a really long time. I know how painful it is, and what a toll it takes – and how much shame comes with it, too. Jesus promises freedom and healing, and I know that promise is for you as it is for me and all of us. I’m with you, sister, in my prayers and in spirit!
Yes yes yes to what Amy said! Standing in the gap for you sister~
Praying for you, A. God is bigger than any of our sin! He gives us freedom in Christ. What a beautiful thing that is.
– Stormye
I am praying for you! Place your thoughts on Him and He will draw nigh to you! He won’t leave you there!
Miracles are one of the ways God expresses His “otherness” to us. They reveal Him in His power, and show us He is not like us. The rules of nature that bind us do not bind Him. The laws of a created world are amendable by the One who created it.
Thank you for this truth, Lord, and as we ask You for miracles, be it healing, pregnancies, fixing messes made by our own hands.. may we see clearly the miracles that have already been done.. the miracles that are every day ordinary and yet they are truly extraordinary.. like the beating of our hearts, the air we take in through our nostrils to fill our lungs, and the food at our tables.. as we ask You for more miracles, may we thank You and appreciate all the miracles You already have done.
Thank you for the reminder. So much of what we take for granted, truly are miracles, things we should give thanks for everyday.
I really need this Bible study. I feel as though I am at a crossroads and don’t know which way is right. I have been unhappy for months- unhappy with my job, unhappy with the stresses in my life and most of all unhappy with myself. This unhappiness had caused me to do something drastic and I’m wondering if I was wrong. I thought that the signs were from God, but could I have gotten the signals mixed. No I’m without s job and any real focus or direction. The only true focus I have is on building my relationship with Jesus. I only hope he will listen to a sinner like me.
I’m praying for you, Kelly, that God would whisper into your heart that He always listens. In fact, this reminded me of something from the Lent study:
Isaiah 65:17-25 (MSG)
“…Before they call out, I’ll answer. Before they finish speaking, I’ll have heard…”
Romans 8:26-28 (MSG) also came to mind
“…[God’s Spirit] does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans…”
Praying for you in this confusing and distressing time, Kelly. Thank you for reaching out and being vulnerable. Grateful to have you in this community.
– Stormye
Kelly, we are all sinners.. every single solitary one of us.. each day we make choices that either harm us or help us.. the closer we are to Jesus the more likely we are to make decisions that help us.. I pray that in your time of getting alone with God and building your relationship with Him that He will in turn direct your next step and all the steps that follow.. in uncertain times we need never be uncertain about His love and His deep care for all we go through.. cling to Him and seek Him for the what’s next.. He will be faithful to lead you!!
He WILL listen to you. If you doubt it and don’t say anything, He can still hear the secret groaning of your heart. Keep your eyes on Him, girl–He’s big enough for all of it.
Yes!!!! As someone who has been believing for a miracle for FIVE years I am super excited about this topic. Come on Jesus. Thank you that you are still in the miracle working business
http://www.in-due-time.com
Your website is so great! I went through infertility for years – I had a really rare autoimmune disorder that made it impossible to carry a pregnancy. I wish I had found a support site like yours during that time! It was so hard. Thankfully Jesus is faithful – I prayed so long for a miracle to happen, and then one day I heard about four girls who desperately needed an adoptive home. I became an instant Mom to three tweens and a 4 year old overnight! It was the greatest miracle that could have ever happened. Christ is so faithful and I am perpetually in awe. Two years after the girls came to us, He healed my autoimmune disorder, too. Keep hanging in, Sister – I believe that blessings will come. I will be praying for you!
This is so beautiful, Amy! Thank you so much for sharing! Grateful to have your encouraging testimony in our community this morning!
– Stormye
I am so excited to dive into this study! The bolded text, “His miracles aren’t His message, but rather a testament to who He is” really got me. I am constantly finding myself stuck in the mindset of “When will God hear/answer my prayers?” However, that isn’t the point at all. I am believe in an amazing God who does good deeds all the time without prodding or questioning. God is around me and with me all the time. It’s time to focus on Him in all His glory rather than what He can do for me.
This is my first She Reads Truth study, although my Mom and I went through Holy Week with you all. I have health issues that have been in my life for years, as does my Mom. My husband of 34 years filed for a divorce without even talking about his unhappiness first. These issues were in my prayer this morning as we prayed together before opening our Bibles to ask the Lord that He intercede, heal us, and allow our hearts to be opened to Him and His word. Our healing and His intercession in this divorce would truly be miracles! Instead, today this lesson revealed to us that focusing on our trust and learning more about Him should be our focus. He holds these earthly things, and focusing on Him is the direction we must strive for!
Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for you Sherry. May God continue to use his word to speak to you through this tough time.
Welcome, Sherry! We are so glad to have you in this community. Praying for you in this time of difficulty and asking the Lord to repair what is broken.
– Stormye
I said something really similar in my journal. My focus needs to be on Him, not what He can do for me. Thank you for sharing today!
As I was reading through these scriptures I was reminded that just like Israel WHEN they saw the power of the Lord the feared and believed (Exodus 14:31) I need to fear and believe everyday even when something miraculous is not going on.
This will be a great study. What struck me most, though, was verse 26 in I Kings 18, “And they limped around the altar they had made.” I just about spit my coffee, half laughing and half amazed at how this describes me at this moment of stress and busyness of life. I build these altars of me, my family, of scheduling- and then I limp around them. Nowhere is the victorious dancing and triumphant singing I believe happens around a true altar to our amazing God, when our full dependence is on him and him alone! I will continue to meditate on this little bit of truth the Lord showed me today. Thank you, SRT!
Great insight. Thanks
Thank you for sharing this perspective Lisa! I paused at that verse too, not sure what to make of it – but this absolutely describes our, my, posture when trying to sustain my own altars. I’m asking the Lord to bring down His holy fire, knowing He can, but do my actions then line up with my believe He can? Victorious dancing as you said is the response of an expectant heart. So thankful you shared this!
YES, YES, YES! Lisa, thank you for this insight. I need to realign – would I rather be limping around self-made idols that leave me empty and searching or dancing and singing around the altar of God that leave my cup full?! What a good reminder.
What a great image! I got a little giggle out of it, too. Thank you for this, Lisa!
– Stormye
This is so much truth, the little and big altars we build for ourselfs, dancing around and hoping something to happen. I love this perspective, thank you!
Hi there! I am brand new to the She Reads Truth Bible studies & excited to meet many of you on this journey to become closer to God. Day 1 left me hungering for more!
Hi Tricia, I’m in the same boat! This is my first SRT study too and I’m starting my return to Faith :)
Welcome, you two! Glad to have you studying with us!
– Stormye
So glad to have you!!
– Stormye
“His miracles aren’t His message, but rather a testament to who He is. And even those who witnessed His miracles did not necessarily believe.” – So excited for this study! I’ve neve done one on the miracles before. I’m hoping to get a few friends to start reading SRT with me :)
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
This is my 1st She Reads Truth Bible study, so I’m looking forward to meeting new friends, too.
So good and timely #INeededThis….tether my heart to God not the miracles or the blessings gifted by Him. Devotion is the key to His heart ♡ seek His face not His hands.
Wow…a great reminder to remember that we must focus on WHO God is, not on WHAT He does. Those characteristics make Him God. I love a good sign as well, but this devotional was a wonderful dose of reality that I needed to focus on God’s attributes, not on what He could do for me.
Last year my husband and I quickly became pregnant, but unfortunately had a miscarriage. In the almost year since I assumed it would be easy to become pregnant once again. That hasn’t been the case and it’s left me wondering what God has planned for me and begging Him for the miracle of life I know He is capable of. Just this weekend someone was encouraging me to search for the HEART of God, not the MIND of God. So often I want to know what He is thinking and planning, rather than following after His heart. This reading only confirms that I need to strive after His heart more. It’s easier said than done, but I pray this series helps me do just that.
I am right along side you, sister. Just this week we discovered our baby had no heartbeat, and after many complications and unanswered questions I had to go into surgery. The process is hard, and leaves me asking why… but your words remind me to seek His heart. We can never understand His mind- “his thoughts are higher then our thoughts…” it’s terrifying and comforting at the same time. Praying for you today.
Praying for your healing, both physical and emotional, through this process! Know that you are not alone and rest in the knowledge that your sweet baby is with our Lord.
Veronica, praying for you right now, friend. I can only imagine how devastating this is. Thankful that you choose to encourage another sister in the midst of your pain. Grateful to have you in this community.
– Stormye
Thank you for sharing that advice. Seek His heart – that is a timely reminder for me too!
I’m right there with you. Thank you for sharing your heart, and know that others are praying right along with you.
I am asking for the wonderful people who celebrate our Saviors love everyday while studying at She reads Truth offer up prayers for the miracle of Faith and healing. Dear friends called this morning and told us their daughter and (only) 2 year old grandson were strangled to death on Easter Night by a neighbor. Their hearts are hurting and they need prayer. THANK YOU>
Oh Lord God in Heaven … our hearts are overwhelmed some days with the extent of sin and darkness and evil that lurks on this Earth. My mind can not imagine the pain, the depth of extreme pain and sorrow and anger and anguish … oh the evil Lord. How long will you linger Lord Jesus .. how long before you return and you show your hand and you judge righteously.
While we wait, Oh Lord I lift my voice asking that you pour out your Spirit on this family, this neighborhood, this city … May you shine in these dark places … May you draw close to those who will mourn … and may what the enemy meant for evil be turned on it’s face and be used for your glory and goodness.
Praying for peace amidst this unthinkable tragedy your dear friends are facing.
Simply no words. Yes I am praying.
Praying for this family right now. Thank you for letting us know how to pray in this time of tragedy.
– Stormye
I’m looking forward to this study. I got hooked with the distinction Rebecca made, it’s not what God does—it’s who He is. Just yesterday our pastor warned us against falling into a “circumstantial theology.” It was such a good reminder…He is Savior no matter the circumstance. I want to think big picture, looking for the giver more than the gift. Knowing he is all together good and resting in the fact that He loves me and that’s all I need. Nonetheless it’s going to be really fun reading about his miracles!
“To hunt for what he can do for us instead of who he is.” SO GOOD. So excited for this study. So excited to deepen my relationship with God! Thank you for the reminder that it’s not about my plans, it’s about His plans. And the comfort that he’s made room for me too in his plans. Do I even need to ask for blessings or miracles? What a great reflection on trust and rest!
“Although signs and wonders may not accompany every moment of our lives, the One who makes them possible does.” Thank you for this reminder. I think I’ve been equating Miracles with Answers To Prayer, and often wonder “why?!”, when I’m not getting what I’m asking for. I mean, I’m asking for good things….peace in strained relationships, salvation for loved ones.
What a comfort to be reminded that He is always with me, while the action of a miracle is momentary. Thank you for the statement of truth that all miracles, signs, wonders, answers to prayer are intended to lead my eyes to Jesus and his character.
As we pray, let us remember the big picture, and be drawn closer in our relationship with Jesus.
My sweet 9YO son was baptized yesterday, on Easter, which was a great blessing for us. Then last night, my older DS, who is almost 15, declared that he wants to be baptized, too! Truly an Easter miracle!
Praise the Lord, Kay!! What an incredible Easter for you & your family!! Blessings!!!
How wonderful! God is good.
Praise the Lord! Such a sweet Easter!
– Stormye
Awesome start to this series! I can’t wait to learn more about Jesus and his miracles. I am certainly guilty of praying for miracles and wondering why they don’t happen. I want to draw even closer to him and hear his truth for me through his word and character!
This study is spot on. So often my prayers are merely a list of requests /demands of what I want God to do for me. I’m convicted this morning to spend the days of this study focusing on asking God to reveal more of Who He is. I want to get to know Him deeper, more intimately. I desire to get to know Him so well that I won’t be surprised by what He does. Because the ‘doing’ is just the kind of God He is.
Couldn’t have said it better myself! His miracles are simply a byproduct of who He is!
Thank you for your thoughts, churchmouse. I’m always convicted and/or encouraged by your comments. I, too, am wanting to know Him more deeply, to have a more intimate relationship with Him.
For a long time, I think I’ve been stuck in wanting things from Him, rather than just getting to know Him. Some of those things have recently come to pass, and I’m now unsure they’re going to be everything I expected/hoped for. Unsurprising, since I’m not focusing on the right things. I pray that as I settle into a new rhythm of life, I can make sure that my focus is on the right things, the important things. That I’m not making my time with God an afterthought. Simply, that I can truly be excited about the time I get to spend with Him, getting to know Him for who He is.
I am deeply convicted already! I was asking God to show me how He is at work in my circumstances last night, and as I talked to Him and wrestled with hearing from Him, I wasn’t even sure I had enough faith to hear, spiritually clear eyes to see in case He placed my answer in front of me. I’m praying for wisdom during the next crazy few weeks and faith to recognize that wisdom when it is in front of me! Today’s devotion reminds me of one point of our sermon from yesterday: “Jesus desires relationship, we often just want “benefits.” Any fictional Jesus you make up in your mind will let you down. That’s not the real Jesus.”
Your last quote from your Sunday sermon, whoa. Mind blown.
The way I came to Jesus was through a miracle – a radical healing in my body and a vision of Him that shook me to my very core. I love that even today, miracles occur and they point us back to Christ. And I love the reminder that Jesus isn’t a “trick pony” who we can demand from, but a Holy, Good, and Unknowable God who ultimately works all things for His perfect will. I am really looking forward to this study!
That’s so awesome you’ve experienced a miracle from God & a vision of Him!! Praise the Lord!!
I am holding on to that last point. That while we very likely do not see signs and wonders every day, the One who makes those signs and wonders possible walks with us everyday – this humbled me. I am looking forward to studying Jesus’ character thru His miracles.
While I may not see miracles everyday, it brings me hope to remember that miracles are possible, that is the hope we have every day.
Excited for this study. My sister in law has been battling with necrotizing faciitis (flesh eating disease) since December, 2015. It is truly a miracle she is here. Yesterday she rode in a car for the first time since her illness began. (All trips had been by ambulance.) Then, she was able to be in church for the first time since she became ill…almost a year and a half!! We have asked ourselves so many times the “why’s” but God has been faithful and performed many miracles that others would discount as trivial. But to her, He has been nothing but faithful.
She posted this on Facebook yesterday: “This was my MIRACLE DAY!!! Able to go to church!! (She is the pastor’s wife as well.) Love our “Church Family” and I’ve missed them all so much! In spite of the trials of the last year, God has been, and always will be, faithful to me!! I love Him so much!!”
This song by Mercy Me has been a blessing to so many as well as the story behind it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y&list=FLTgZ8BFIfIOfZCkwQFsHI_g
What a great testimony to God’s faithfulness! Thanks for sharing. Love the song too! ❤
Praying for your sister! I am in awe that in such a trial she is positive and is clinging to the Lord. So happy to hear she could make it to church yesterday!
Praise God for His mercies and healing power. Excited to read about your sister-in-law’s recovery ❤
Praising God for this! Thank you for sharing!
– Stormye
Yes! He is not His miracles! They are just small fragments of proof to who He is!
Wow what a greAt way to start a study show us all the great God has done before Jesus came to save us amen