IF ONLY I COULD SEE A MIRACLE
At the Lord’s command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. Eventually they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink. So once more the people complained against Moses. “Give us water to drink!” they demanded.
Exodus 17:1–2a (NLT)
God had done amazing things to free the Israelites from Egypt. Plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, manna and quail from heaven. They had seen God move in mighty ways. On top of that, He demonstrated His presence in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. If I were there, I’d like to think my faith would be rock-solid. Who wouldn’t believe after seeing all that? Yet when the people got thirsty, they somehow forgot what God had done. They grumbled and complained. They might have thought, we’re not being negative, just honest. If I’m honest, I’d probably be right there with them. I hate being thirsty. I hate being uncomfortable. And I know I can forget God’s past faithfulness when life gets hard in the present moment.
Are you in a place where you have said to the Lord, if only I could see a miracle? I want to believe in You, but I need to see more. We want something we can see and touch. But Scripture shows us over and over again that miracles don’t guarantee faith.
Jesus healed the sick, fed thousands, walked on water, even raised the dead. Still, many turned away. Some demanded more signs. Others decided to kill Him. Seeing the miraculous doesn’t necessarily change a doubting heart.
I like the idea of walking by faith, but I have to admit deep down I prefer walking by sight. Life is often hard and painful. Trust is hard when I’m actually thirsty. But here’s the good news: God has already given us the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Death was defeated. Life was secured. Hope was sealed. That is the miracle we cling to. And the proof of that miracle continues today. Lives transformed by Christ. Addictions broken. Relationships restored. Hearts healed. My life. Your life. These are miracles of God’s power and grace.
Faith doesn’t come from seeing more. Faith comes from trusting the God who has already proven His love.
APPLICATION: Walk by faith, not by sight. Don’t seek the miracle more than the God who performs it.
PRAYER: Lord, strengthen my faith when I want signs. Help me trust Your power and promises even when I cannot see. And help me stop complaining.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?