I have been thinking a lot about miracles lately. Do you ever do that? Have you ever prayed for a miracle? I have. In fact, I have been praying for a particular miracle every day since mid-January.

I looked up the definition of the word and it said, “Miracle: An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause; manifesting or considered a work of God.” (dictionary.com). These words, “extraordinary event that surpasses human power” really strike me. It causes me to think about some of the miracles we read in the bible. For example, God using Moses to part the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape from their enemies (Exodus 114:21-22), David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48-50), Daniel not dying in the lions den (Daniel 6:19-23), Jesus healing the blind, the lame and even bringing the dead back to life (John 9:1-7; John 5:3-9; John 11:38-44). These are HUGE extraordinary events! How amazing it would have been to witness such marvels. 

But does a miracle have to be bigger than life? Can a miracle be small in size yet big in impact? Can common, every day occurrences such as sunsets, flowers blooming in the Spring or snow falling in the Winter be considered miracles? If the miracle I pray for doesn’t happen, does that mean there is no miracle at all? Could it be in a different form I’m not recognizing? I have been asking myself these questions for quite some time. And what about the phrase we have all used at some point in time, “It’s a miracle I did that. It’s a miracle we made it.”

I have put so much thought and prayer into wanting a miracle. I have visualized big ones like those in the bible. I have seen in my minds eye the healed body, strength given to the frail, even someone’s escape from addictions. I keep these visions alive and never stop praying for them. But I have also come to believe that not all miracles need to be huge. Sometimes they are small, maybe barely noticeable to others. And yet they are so very important. For instance, the homeless, single parent finding shelter and a meal for their children one more day. Or the alcoholic who walks past the bar instead of going into it. In my eyes, these can be considered works of God. These are miracles.

God is at work every day in our lives. Sometimes we see it, other times we don’t. I need to watch more closely for the miracles in my life, both big and small.

Special Request: I am asking all of you to pray for the miracle I have been praying for; complete healing for a beautiful new baby boy I know with very difficult health issues.

Thank you and God bless you.

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:27 NIV