This Miracle Thing

I don't know why but I've been thinking about miracles lately. Perhaps this recent post by Katrina at Callapidder Days started the wheels churning in my head. Then this past Sunday, a guest speaker in our adult Sunday School class related a series of events in his ministry that were no doubt miraculous. And frankly, I need a miracle. At least I think I do. There are situations in my life that, at least from my very human perspective, only a miracle could remedy. (Fishing for the right word here - not sure if remedy is exactly what I mean.)

But then I think about the miracles Jesus did while he was here on earth. I think "I" need a miracle, but everytime he performed a miracle, it was with a greater purpose, to glorify the Father. I think "I" need a miracle, but is it really all about me? Like the speaker this past Sunday mentioned, when God brought the children of Israel to the banks of the Red Sea and then allowed the Egyptian soldiers to close in behind them, he did so that not only the Israelites, but also all the surrounding societies would know that it could only have been God that delivered them. There was no doubt.

I don't really know much about miracles. But I do see a few things from the miracles in Scripture:

1. It's not about me. Not one tiny bit. I tend to have me at the center of all my prayers - my needs, my wants, my plans. But miracles are about God being glorified in our lives. I think God works miracles to serve his higher purposes.
   
2. But then it is about me. Because Jesus loves me. Because he has a plan for me that is greater than I could ever imagine.
3. I don't think there's anything we can do to merit a miracle. I can't picture God handing out miracles like the quiet seat prizes we used to get in junior church.
   
4. I know we can't design our miracles. That's what Martha wanted to do. She had it all figured out. "Jesus, if only you'd have gotten here sooner, you could have healed Lazarus!" Isn't it funny how we actually think God is too late sometimes? Martha already had her miracle on the drawing board. She was probably planning what she'd serve at the celebration feast - "My brother was sick and now he's healthy - come and celebrate with us - free food for all!"
5. Isn't a changed heart a miracle in itself? Isn't the fact that God chooses to be involved in our lives, to allow his Holy Spirit to work in our hearts nothing short of miraculous? Do I want a day-in, day-out relationship with him or do I just want him to show up when the going gets rough?

Well, these are just 4:00 am musings, so I apologize if you were expecting more! I don't have any great theological wrap-up to this post. In fact, I don't really have any worthwhile conclusions at all! So if you'd like to chime in with your two-cents worth, feel free to do so.