Miracle

About three months ago, some of our Church family met to pray for a special member who was  diagnosed with a terminal illness. We all wanted God to heal him yesterday. Why wasn’t he healing him? What were we doing wrong?

The day came. It was a Sabbath. He passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by the ones he loved.

The righteous perishes,
And no man takes it to heart;
Merciful men are taken away,
While no one considers
That the righteous is taken away from evil.
He shall enter into peace;
They shall rest in their beds,
Each one walking in his uprightness. (Isaiah 57:1-2)

One night, less than a month later, I couldn’t sleep so I got up to read and pray. I found John 14:12 and my thoughts went back to that prayerful moment we had for our brother. God chose not to heal him, why?

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. (John 14:12)

Jesus says that we who believe in Him will do the same works He did, and even greater…, I got stuck on the word ‘greater’. “Father”, I asked seriously, “what do you mean by greater? What could be greater than feeding five thousand people with just five loaves and two fish, healing the sick and raising a dead man? Then came an answer right in the middle of my forehead; it was as if a very gentle touch of knowledge was being placed there. It was one word… “Conversion”.

Conversion! That made so much sense to my mortal mind!! It was as if so much knowledge had been opened up to me. Of course!! What could be greater than feeding five thousand? Feeding them with Jesus, the Bread of Life! What could be greater than healing the sick? Healing their souls with the Balm of Gilead! And what could be greater than raising a mortal man to life? Being raised to life everlasting! Was it not to save us that He died? Isn’t that why he healed and fed and raised Lazarus? So that people would believe?

So the miracles weren’t an end, rather a means to an end; to build trust, increase faith, give second chances to the incredulous and to reveal His mighty power. He’s just constantly running after lost sheep using all holy means necessary. Yes, by His Holy Spirit, I will perform many miracles, I can and I will, but I must remember that it will not be by my might or power, but by His Spirit…for His purpose.

This well known verse is even more meaningful to me now:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

It’s all about making me…us understand the depth of love He has for us.

When I entered the room where the visitation was held for our late brother, I felt incredibly happy, so much so, that I left early because I didn’t want to offend anyone. I still don’t know why God hadn’t chosen to heal our brother, but it doesn’t matter anymore because he is asleep in Christ; I know God wants everybody to go like that. This world just isn’t it.