I was reading an article in the October edition of Today's Pentecostal Evangel about the remarkable growth in overseas churches and why we don't see it here in the U.S. anymore, and I came upon a section on miracles that I found rather inspiring.  The article by L. John Bueno listed 5 reasons, but the 4th struck me personally, pointing out that in overseas churches "They depend on and expect the miraculous." 

Bueno asks this question, "How often do we actually put our faith for the miraculous into practice?"  As for me I can honestly say only when a life threatening situation comes up.

Yet the old testament is filled with miracles.  God even keeps the Isrealites out of the promised land because of their lack of faith in His miracles. 

 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it

Numbers 14:21-23

As Christians we believe the miracles of Jesus throughout His ministry as fact.

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water...  John 2:7-9

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.  And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.  John 4:50-51

We also read that not only Jesus performed miracles but through faith in Him his disciples did as well.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.  Acts 6:8

 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Acts 8:6-7

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Acts 15:12

Clearly miracles did happen after Jesus ascended into heaven and they are still happening today.  So why do I and so many other believers here in America set those miracles aside as though they can't happen to us or as though we are not worthy of a miracle?  Are we afraid of getting our hopes up?  How many times have you prayed for a loved one and felt God didn't answer the way you had hoped He would? 

It is time for me to put my faith in God for every miracle He has for me.  Bueno also states, "Miracles should happen continuously in the life of our churches.  People should come with an expectancy that, when they enter our churches, they're entering the realm of the miraculous that can extend to everyday life."  I wholeheartedly agree that we have fallen away from expecting those miracles and we need to get back to it.  I've underlined "everyday life" in my copy of the magazine. 

Abba Father, may I always see Your miracles in the everyday.  May I go into each day expecting your miracles and when my struggles come Lord, teach me to depend on only You, my Provider.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen

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