Day 113 – Miracles

 Thoughts that have come from various quotes taken from the book, "Victor - Breaking Free From a Victim Based Society" by John H. Hovis. Click here to link directly to the audio file.

**********

"What’s so amazing about the difference between “have to” and “get to” living is that we often miss the miracles of life by mistaking God’s leading in our lives as “have to” obligations."

As quoted from the book "Victor - Breaking Free From a Victim-Based Society" by John H. Hovis Page 181.

I’m of the belief that miracles are happening more than we are trained to see. So much of our everyday life is clearly miraculous when you step back and consider all the things that have to line up to make possible what you are experiencing at this moment.

As a personal illustration, as I sit writing that last sentence, I’m in an airliner at 37,000 feet over Iceland with 400 of what are quickly becoming some of my closest friends. I’m typing on a computer small enough to fit comfortably in my lap. Such a machine would have been unheard of not too long ago. I just watched a movie about putting the first man into space. Just stopping to write those realities down makes it so much more possible for me to realize what a miracle filled life we all life.

Why don’t we see and appreciate the many miracles that surround our life every moment? Part of the answer lies in the fact that life is moving at such a fast pace. That pace can make the miracles of life so easy to miss. I also believe that we fail to recognize our own personal miracles due to the fact we have become accustomed to the fantastic happening all around us. It is as though we expect miracles as the norm – and why not! Problem with expectations, when it comes to the miraculous, is that they lead us into places where we can discount some of the important things that we might face every day.

This is particularly the case when we are going through bad times. I’m beginning to believe that there are just as many miracles happening as we fight the challenges of life as there are when life is a breeze. I know it is so much easier to appreciate a miracle when good things are happening but I just don’t want to be in a position where I miss miracles that are just as likely in the bad times of life.

That’s what “Have to” living does for us. It sets us up to miss the unmistakable hand of God in our lives when we feel we are trapped in obligation. “Have to” tells our soul we have no choice. Our souls are wired to fight being placed in positions where freedom to be all we can be is in jeopardy. The world is so good at taking us to places where “have to” is our only consideration.

Just think of that last bad situation you faced. Didn’t you describe the things that were associated with that situation as “have to” duties? The cancer sufferer is in a place where he or she HAS TO receive Chemo. The out of work person HAS TO look for that next job. At some point they will HAVE TO settle for yet another underpaying and appreciation lacking position way below what their abilities should support. The mom of that special needs child HAS TO get up and conquer, yet another day of struggle as she fights to make things as normal as they can be for her family.

“Have to” can be such a depressing and demoralizing part of the life of a victor. It is when “Have to” is in control that the miracles can be missed. Meeting that ray of hope at the chemo lab, having time off to spend with the child that really needs their parent at that moment, appreciating the tender look of that special needs child that can do so little on their own. Miracle after miracle happens but are often overlooked as the amazing gets washed away with the pain and suffering of challenging situations.

Check out what the Bible says with regards to the miracles of God in our lives. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 49:10 (NIV)

Want to know a real miracle? It is in the words from today's reading. The miracle is that God is there for us! He will strengthen us. He will help us. I love the picture of God holding us up with his right hand. That's His power hand! It is as though nothing else matters but us as I read this verse. That's a miracle beyond anything I could ever expect. I hope you aren't missing that miracle in your life today. 

Yes, I know that it sounds like this verse is saying everything will be OK. I wish that was always the case when we choose to follow this God that loves us. No, sometimes bad times are part of the plan to make this world a different place for the light of God to shine through the darkness. If you are expecting the miracle of a perfect life, I'm afraid you will ultimately be disappointed. That's just not what God promises. 

There are times He takes us out of challenging situations. That's a miracle I pray you experience today if times are bad. But that's not His guarantee. What He promise is that He will go through the challenging times with us. Sometimes going through the situation is more important to God's plan than being taken out of that same situation. 

It is when we view our situation as an obligation laced with "Have to" tasks that we tend to overlook the miracles happening all around us. Take time today to appreciate all that God has done and is doing in your life. Look in the faces of those around you for a glimpse of the miracle God wants to show you today. Don't let "Have to" living make your soul run itself ragged trying to make sure your situation stays just as you want it to be. Let God be the provider of the strength, and direction even in times that are challenging to the good life you have worked so hard to build for yourself. That's the only way you will be able to live out this victor status in the miracle filled life God has planned for you today.