I’ve always been careful not to use the word “miracle” flippantly. The dictionary defines a miracle is an extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers, and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. I believe that this is an accurate definition in the Biblical sense.
True miracles are extremely rare. Even in the Bible, there were really only a few short periods when miracles were documented, primarily as follows:
– The ten plagues in Exodus
– The miracles performed during the watch of a few Old Testament prophets, such as Elijah
– The miracles performed by Christ
Well, I’ve just witnessed my first miracle. Nearly three weeks ago, a friend of ours was rushed to the hospital due to an apparent heat stroke. He had lain sick in a hot car for hours, and when he was admitted to the hospital, he was in a coma, and his body temperature was 107 degrees. Tests showed “little or no” brain activity–basically flat-lined.
For two weeks, we all prayed for his recovery. I distinctly prayed for a miracle, even knowing that I had never really witnessed one before. I prayed that he would suddenly wake up and be ready to go home. Well, he did suddenly wake up. He quickly started talking, walking, and sending e-mails, and he’s almost ready to come home. Because of the flat brain scan, and even the doctors’ expectations that he would never wake up, I have to claim this as a miracle.
Now, on the other hand, we recently had another friend who lay in a coma in the hospital for sixteen months as we prayed for a miracle. He died recently, and I just can’t seem to get my arms around what the difference was in these two situations. In both cases, fervent and unselfish prayers were prayed by God-fearing believers. When does God choose to answer prayers with a miracle?
Even in the Bible, the purpose of miracles was not simply to answer a prayers, or to make someone feel better. The purpose of miracles is to give a sign of God’s power and to bring glory to him, often by/for unbelievers. In the case of our friend who recovered, that miracle was certainly a strong sign of God’s power to all of us, and we all give Him the glory. But why wasn’t our other friend healed as well? I feel as though if we could somehow pray more effectively, we could harness the true power of prayer, and we could glorify God like never before. Maybe someone can help me to understand this better.