Miracles

A distinct change happens in the lives of the apostles in Acts, after receiving the Holy Spirit. Miracles happen in their lives, over and over. And the miracles always have an intended purpose.

It is easy to read the Bible and skimming through these mighty acts of God. For example, in Acts 5, we see an amazing miracle happen when the apostles are arrested and placed in jail.

The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching. Acts 5:17-21

Amazing miracle. And, this is just one example. In the book of Acts, in particular, these miracles become common sight. God gave the believers in Jesus the Holy Spirit. And, God worked miracles in their lives, always for a purpose: to make His name greater so that people would believe in Him. The miracles were so His name was magnified.

Do miracles still happen?

Of course. Without hesitation, absolutely. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same Holy Spirit that is in the Bible is in the life of a believer. So, a believer must know and rest in the security that miracles happen today.

And, the miracle always serves a purpose: to glorify His name. To make His name greater so that many will understand.

Back to the story in Acts above.

The miracle happens, the jail doors open. The apostles are given specific instructions to, “Go to the Temple and give the people the message of life!”

And, the apostles obeyed. “So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.”

The pattern. A miracle followed by obedience.

Everyone reading this message is in one of three places (from the words of Adrian Rogers): headed to a storm, in a storm, or coming out of a storm. Let me put descriptors to each of these.

• High on life. This is an awesome place to be on the journey of life. Things are clicking, and no storm is in sight. But, no doubt, a storm will happen.

• Tired in life. With what our nation has been through over the last 2 years, many are in the midst of a storm right now. The world may be a dark place and a miracle is needed.

• Refreshed in life. Coming out of a storm is great relief, full of hope. Maybe a miracle has happened, and you are thankful for the next stage of life.

Whatever stage you are in, make no mistake, you are not alone. Everyone will experience all of these stages on the journey, and we each have a purpose in every part of our journey.

• For those of you “high on life,” praise God and look to help others. I am quite sure you can point to miracles in your life. Be obedient. God gives times of peace for a purpose. Battle complacency and bless others. Pray right now for those in storms.

• For those of you “tired in life,” hang on. Storms pass. Pray, read His Words, and ask for and take help. The best place to run is the Bible. God is with you. He is the Author of life. He still works miracles. Have hope.

• For those of you “refreshed in life,” praise God for the miracle that made the storm pass. Proclaim Him, the God of the miracle. Make sure others understand. Be obedient.

Regardless of where we are in life, perhaps the greatest truth of the Bible is knowing the God of the Bible is with us. That is His promise in Matthew 28:20.

And, He is still the God of miracles. Pray for miracles in lives. Pray for those in storms and praise for those coming out of storms.

It is true that every believer will experience His miracles, His working in their life. And, when you see the miracle, be obedient to what He is calling you to do. There is always a purpose.

Impact others. Live generously.

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