Miracles: What do you want?

​I have been reflecting on the word “Miracles” this month. As part of my meditative process with Jesus, I have been asking Him questions and keeping the dialogue open to help me see and understand things better. I hope to understand His heart and walk the path that He walked when it comes to miracles.

​Living in a modern world, the supernatural and miraculous often feel like a fairytale. Logic takes precedence, and believing for a miracle doesn’t feel prudent. Even if we somehow do believe in miracles, we often view them through the lens of an abstract universe trying to send “good energy” or “good vibes” our way.

​Jesus was a man of miracles. He performed many in His short three years of ministry. He healed the sick, cleansed lepers, multiplied food, and brought creation under His authority by walking on water and calming storms. He even raised people from the dead. These miracles were confirmed and documented by many eyewitnesses, many of whom died as martyrs for testifying about His divinity. These miracles marked Jesus as the Son of God and the Son of Man, set apart to be the Savior of the world.

​But the same Jesus, who was full of authority and power, never presumed people needed healing. Healing was often a direct result of people who had faith in His ability and asked to be healed. In some cases, it was a result of people confessing their inability to believe and asking for help with their weak faith. However, Jesus hardly ever healed anyone who neither believed nor asked for help with their unbelief. The only person I can think of who differs is the man at the pool of Bethesda. He was so unsure of what he wanted and didn’t really ask Jesus to heal him, yet he still got healed with a warning to guard his heart. I don’t think Jesus was calloused; I think it had to do with their readiness to receive a miracle.

​Miracles relate directly to the recipient as much as the giver, Jesus. Faith is always a partnership; it is never solely the responsibility of God alone. While God’s grace extends unconditionally, there is always a point where our confessions matter. We must, at some point, put our hand on His hand and walk the walk. Faith, even when imperfect and weak, must rely on the goodness and sovereignty of God.

​Jesus often asked the sick, “What do you want me to do for you?” The person would then tell Him what they wanted, and Jesus would act on that sickness, healing them of the very thing they asked for. When encountered with life’s situations, what will be our response to that same question? What do you want? Will we be willing to ask for big miracles, or will we settle for something logical that doesn’t need a miracle?

​I am afraid that our answers are often the latter. We fear that asking for too much might lead to disappointment or, worse, weaken our faith. We try to defend God and defend our faith by never asking, or by asking for too little. But Jesus is still there, asking, “What do you want?” God is able to defend His own sovereignty. He knows when to answer a prayer with a yes, a no, or a wait.

​I have seen and heard of so many miracles—real, medically verified big miracles. Cancer patients being healed supernaturally. Patients with MS or chronic diseases healed after prayer. In my own life, I was healed after doctors gave up on me. But even in my own life, there have also been disappointments. I have seen situations where people prayed faithfully and asked for big things but never received their miracle.

​Yet, if you ask me or those same people, they will encourage you to not lose hope and to believe in the Son of God. God is sovereign. If you don’t receive your miracle, let it be because of God’s wisdom and not because you weren’t ready to receive it. Ask for big things and let God’s wisdom prevail. Don’t shy away from asking for miracles. Prepare your heart. Stir up your faith. And come to Jesus, the one who is full of compassion for you, and ask for big, bold miracles. He is more than able to do it!

​“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. — Mark 10:51–52

Prayer: Lord, I often don’t know what to ask, and I am afraid of asking for big things. I fear disappointment. But I know You are a big God, and You desire to bless me with abundant life. Help my unbelief. I need a miracle.​Please [insert your specific need here].​I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.