Miraculous possibilities

For the past week, I have been sharing stories of miracles from some of my friends. I hope and pray that you can celebrate their miracles, even as you wait for your own.

My friend, I want to share with you some of the miraculous work that God is doing in my own life. While I have never received a physical miracle (I am praying every day that Jesus delivers me from the condition of tinnitus – we all have something!), I can say that the greatest miracle of my life is happening right now.

I was blessed to grow up in a family that loves God. I was taught the Bible throughout my entire life, but my relationship with Jesus was never personal and intimate. I believed that God had love for everyone in abundance, but I have always struggled with allowing myself to be loved. This tension pushed my relationship with Jesus into more of a transactional business arrangement instead of a life-transforming relationship. I was busy working FOR God instead of truly walking WITH God. My love had grown cold and I felt distant and weary. 

BUT THEN, Jesus began to open my eyes to new and miraculous possibilities. Even though I had been a pastor for thirty years, Jesus began to redefine our relationship. Academic Bible study, impersonal prayer, Christian platitudes, and shallow relationships began to fall away. In exchange, Jesus gave me a desire for a personal connection with Him, a hunger for truth and the Word, deeply personal prayer that included both talking to AND listening to God, and deeper relationships with family and friends. I can honestly say that my faith was undergoing a miraculous change and I am so grateful.

I can’t go back to a single moment, but one of the scriptures that captured my heart was Isaiah 43:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,  they will not sweep over you, When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;”  (Isaiah 43:1-3, NIV)

What grabbed my heart was the personal way that God spoke to me. I have summoned you.  You are mine. When you pass through the waters…I will be with you. For I am the Lord your God….your Savior. God spoke to me and said, “Grant, you are mine. I have called you by name.  You and I can walk together. I know everything about you and I love you!!!”

What a miraculous moment to not only be embraced by God but to also embrace the truth that I am loved!!! I am the beloved of God and you are too!!! The same gift that Jesus offered to me, He is offering to you right now.

Today, the God of miracles wants you to know that you are His. He will walk with you through the tumultuous waters of life and you are safe with Him! His presence and His love are miraculous and you are the object of all of His affection. Receive this miraculous gift today!

Let’s pray together.

Jesus, thank you for your miraculous power to change our hearts.  Lord, change our hearts as we walk with you.  May our eyes be open to your miraculous power today.  You are the One who has called us by name and we choose to accept the truth today that we are YOURS!  Amen.

I am believing for your miracle – You are a Miracle!