Our Journey - Choosing the Miraculous

Have you ever experienced someone explaining a miraculous occurrence in their life, boldly proclaiming that it could be nothing other than the result of the power of Jesus Christ…and you doubt. Big time.  Possibly even internally scrutinize the accuracy of their claim? The smile and the nodding of your head display that of agreement and celebration, but your mind is questioning the authenticity of their claim.

I know I have.  And I hate that.  

Mark 16:14 tells of such a problematic situation.  After Jesus had risen from the dead, walked out of the tomb, defied death and the grave, His presence being witnessed by several, “He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table, and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.”

Wait.  He rebuked them?  And hardness of heart?  Is that what I have?

When I read these words, I recognized a heaviness, as I recalled the many times others had shared the recollection of their experience of God’s miraculous touch, their "seeing Jesus" moment, only to be met with my skepticism, questions, and doubt (internally, of course). While my lips formed the words and I heard myself say, “Praise God! That’s amazing!” inside, I was wondering if they had their facts right, or if they were “helping God along” with their description of His touch. As embarrassed as I am to admit all of this, I know I must, as my desire to change this course for me, and hopefully for others that suffer the same, overrides any pride wanting to keep it secret.  

You see, although this isn’t always the case (I promise) I’ve decided I never want this to happen EVER AGAIN.   I’ve honestly cried out, “Lord, please forgive me for the times I chose disbelief over the miraculous!  Please forgive me for not choosing YOU – Your might, power, and touch that doesn’t always make sense to human understanding! I want to always choose You - the nonsensical, the whimsy, the downright crazy and outrageous strength that You display!”

Please tell me you can relate, if only a little!

If so, I invite you to join me in asking the Creator of the Universe to make way for the miraculous in the lives of ourselves, as well as others - asking Him to remove pride from our thinking – the thought that if we can’t figure it out; explain it for ourselves; or understand the concept of what has happened, that it must just be the figment of an overactive imagination. 

Because the truth is, we are in need of this miraculous power!

Lord, we need:
Your Strength
Your Will
Your Way
Your Might
Your Best
Your Almighty Hand
Your Execution
Your Unexplainable Power!

Lord, help us to truly understand Ephesians 1:10–2, when Paul shares his desire, “ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Your most mighty power is alive in us! Never again do I want to deny or internally question the authenticity and truth of someone else’s miracle.  Never!  I want to believe!  I want to proclaim! I want to genuinely celebrate! And I definitely want to experience!

I chose the miraculous, Lord. I chose the unexplainable and the impossible. I choose You!

What miracle are you in need of?  I know both Stan and I are in need of many.  This week, as we go through each day, look for the miraculous not only in your own life, but perhaps even more importantly, in the lives of others – without analyzing, without question and without straight up doubt – but with expectancy, celebration, and acceptance.  

My gut tells me we’ll have some stories to share at the end of these next seven days.  

Have a fantastic week as you witness His miraculous power at work in the lives of those around you, and in your life as well!

Much love,

Cammie (and Stan)