February 2003

“Expect Miracles”

"Now, tell me the truth, disciples," "Who did you call to cater the meal for over 5,000?"

"Would you slow down." "I don't care if you haven't walked in thirty years, I can't keep up!"

"What do you mean You would like to come to dinner?" "Your leprosy is what?" "Gone?"

"What do you mean you can't agree to the clause in the fine print?" "How dan you read the fine print? Last week you couldn't see."

"Lazarus, You don't look dead!"

These questions and comments have one thing in common, these perplexed people had met someone who had a miraculous encounter with Jesus Christ. Jesus. Christ had healed them and they would never be the same. They now saw the world in a whole new way. I'm sure that new expectations were put in the minds of these people. Now, when they confronted a tough issue, struggle or sickness, the list of outcomes had doubled or tripled. With the power of God factored into the situation they knew the impossible was now possible.

The stories of God's miraculous power are exciting to read in the scriptures. The historical accounts of the crossing of the Red Sea, David and Goliath, Daniel in the lion's den, all paint vivid images in our mind. The amazing reports that Jesus had calmed the storm and brought the child back to life, fill us with wonder. It's these reports that can excite our faith as we look to our own challenges and expectations in life.

It's that wonderful expectation that we can take into this year. Paul writes an exciting benediction in his letter to the believers at Ephesus that excites us with God's possibilities.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! AMEN" (NIV)

We can begin to ask, "I wonder what God is going to do in this seemingly impossinle situation?" Instead of the immediate response, "That's impossible!", we go to prayer and watch God work. Instead of seeing only defeat, we walk one day at a time and trust God to give us the victory.

What about your expectations? It is my prayer that as we face both individual, family and church challenges this year that our hopes and dreams will be directed not by what we think is possible but directed by a strong faith in our miraculous God. I invite you to join me in concerted prayer for this.

"Let's Expect Miracles"

May God Bless You,

Pastor Craig