Expect a Miracle
Message Summary:
In today’s message, Dr. Ron Walborn taught us about the power of miracles. We must learn to live in expectancy that a miracle can happen at any time. Miracles are different from healing. Healing is when God’s power and gifts speed up the process of the manifestation of a healing. But a miracle is more. A miracle is defined as an act whereby God performs a powerful act that alters the ordinary course of nature, even to the point of suspending the laws of nature. Acts like raising the dead, walking on water, plagues on Egypt, Elijah’s fire from heaven or creating a limb or appendage that is gone, shriveled or deformed.
Miracles happen when God steps in and does what only he can go. None of us can perform a miracle on our own. God is the miracle worker. But we can contend for our miracle. We can position ourselves to receive. The Bible tells us that there are so many stories where the creative miracles of God were on display, especially in the life of Jesus (Mark 3). Our God specializes in partnering with faith for the expectation of a miraculous move. But we have to create an atmosphere for miracles to move in our lives. Below are some key ways that we can create that atmosphere:
First, we cannot allow fear to hold us back from experiencing what God wants us to experience. Where in your life is God calling you to stand up right now? Don’t let fear hold you back. Stand up and get ready for a miracle.
Second, break free from the status quo of culture. When you need a miracle, the status quo and the normal religious routine isn’t enough. In fact, an unhealthy attachment to your religious routine can blind you to the miracle when it does come.
Third, ignore all the mockers that will come against you. There are generally two groups of people: People of Faith and people who mock faith. You see earthbound people don’t understand that faith is the currency of heaven that we get to spend on earth. If you want a miracle, learn to ignore them.
Fourth, make it a priority to do whatever Jesus tells you to do. When we are contending for a miracle and we get a Word from the Lord, we need to do it. Jesus will often ask us to do some things that from our perspective make no sense.
Fifth, expect resistance. There will be spiritual warfare as you stand in faith. Anytime the Kingdom of God begins to advance, the kingdom of darkness is going to do everything it can to resist the power of the miraculous. Be ready to fight!
Last, but not least, trust God! He knows when you need a miracle better than you do. Jesus is the exact representation of our Father in Heaven. He loves you! He is for you. He is infinite goodness. We can trust Him.
Scriptures:
[Mark 3:1-6 NIV] 1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." 4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
[Psalm 77:14 NIV] 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
[John 14:12 NIV] 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Discussion Questions:
What do you learn from Jesus’ ability to do miraculous things for the people he met?
Do you believe in the supernatural power of God to perform miracles in your life? Why?
Have you ever experienced a miracle? What was that experience like for you?
Why is it important to put your hope in God to do “impossible” things for you?
How does it build or grow your faith?
Life Application:
Over the next week, as you study the key scriptures, ask yourself the following question: Are you believing for God’s power to move in your life? Are you looking for God to do the impossible, to do what only He can do in your life? This is how God builds our faith! We stand firm believing that God’s power will move in our life. It’s time to give God the opportunity to step in and do the miraculous in your life!