Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. —Psalm 77:13-14 NIV
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. —John 21:25 NIV
The qualification for a miracle is a
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” —Mark 4:35-38 NIV
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” —Matthew 8:26-27 NIV
3 Kinds of Storms:
Miracles are not
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. —Luke 18:35-43 NIV
Miracles happen when
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. —James 1:17 NIV
Miracles happen when I
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” —Matthew 17:20 NIV
Miracles happen when I seek
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. —Matthew 6:33 NIV
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You Asked for it – Part 2 – Miracles
This week we discussed miracles, which was the #5 most requested topic from our Easter Survey. The Bible is full of miracles that come in lots of different forms. At the heart of every miracle is a problem that needs a divine solution. So, for us to qualify for a miracle in our lives, all we need is a problem!
We need to remember, however, that miracles are not magic tricks to solve my problems, they are divine interventions that grow my faith. God wants to intervene in our lives, but not just to solve problems. He is more interested in doing a work on the inside of us in order for us to grow and mature. The ultimate goal is for us to become more like Jesus and become witnesses of what He has done to the world!
Make it Practical
Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-38 and Matthew 8:26-27): Just like the disciples encountered a thunderstorm while out on their boat, we encounter lots of storms in our lives.
Physical Storms: The problem we are facing.
Emotional Storms: Internal struggles because of physical storms.
Spiritual Storms: Struggles in my relationship with God.
Jesus Heals the Blind Beggar (Luke 18:35-43): This encounter between a blind man and Jesus reveals the recipe for a miracle.
Prayer needs to be the priority.
I need to keep the faith no matter the circumstances.
I need to seek the giver and not just the gift.
Talk About it
1. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a miracle before? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “miracle”?
2. Share about a time in your life when a problem started a physical storm and then moved to an emotional and/or spiritual storm.
3. What is the hardest part about trusting Jesus with your needs, and why? Do you have a hard time believing that He is near, that He will take time to listen, or that you will receive a miracle?
Leader Tips
Sharing internal struggles is hard for some people. It may take you starting things off by being open and transparent in order for the group to open up.
Ask each member to share briefly about a miracle they would like to see take place in their life. Close the group in prayer asking God to not only meet their need, but grow their faith.