Brenna McCormick’s reflections on everyday “miracles” – kids with homework, clean laundry, drama-free holidays – resonate with many. We often use the word “miracle” loosely for fortunate or unlikely events. But in a Christian context, the gift of miracles carries a profound and specific meaning. What truly constitutes a miracle in the spiritual sense, and how can we recognize the gift of miracles when it manifests?
Peter healing the crippled beggar in Acts 3
Defining the Spiritual Gift of Miracles
Miracles, by their very nature, transcend the ordinary. They are supernatural occurrences that defy natural laws, pointing directly to divine intervention. Within the framework of spiritual gifts described in the Bible, the gift of miracles is a specific empowerment by the Holy Spirit. This gift enables individuals to perform extraordinary acts, demonstrating God’s power in tangible ways. These acts, often referred to as “signs and wonders,” can include dramatic healings – restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, mobility to the paralyzed – and even raising the dead.
The gift of miracles serves as a powerful catalyst, igniting, restoring, and fortifying faith in God’s unwavering presence and power.
The scriptures are replete with accounts of individuals empowered with this gift. The Book of Acts provides vivid examples. Peter’s healing of the crippled beggar in Acts 3 is a pivotal moment, showcasing the instantaneous and undeniable nature of miraculous healing. Similarly, Paul’s raising of Eutychus from the dead in Acts 20 after a tragic fall illustrates the life-giving aspect of this gift. These accounts, among others, illuminate the purpose and impact of the spiritual gift of miraculous power.
The Threefold Impact of the Gift of Miracles
The gift of miracles is not merely about spectacle; it serves a deeper purpose in the spiritual realm. It works in a threefold manner: initiating faith, restoring faith, and strengthening faith.
1. Initiating Faith: A Divine Spark
The story of Ananias and Saul in Acts 9 provides a compelling example of faith initiation. God commanded Ananias to heal Saul’s blindness, despite Saul’s known persecution of Christians. Ananias’ obedience, despite his apprehension, led to a miraculous outcome. Upon Ananias laying hands on Saul, his sight was instantly restored. This miraculous healing was not just physical; it was a catalyst for Saul’s dramatic conversion and transformation into the Apostle Paul.
Ananias laying hands on Saul to restore his sight
Ananias’ faith was strengthened through his participation in this miracle, and Saul’s encounter with divine power sparked a faith that would profoundly impact the course of Christianity. The sheer astonishment and bewilderment of those who knew Saul before and after this event (Acts 9:21-22) underscore the miracle’s role in initiating a radical faith transformation.
2. Restoring Faith: Rekindling Belief
The narrative of Tabitha’s resurrection by Peter in Acts 9 demonstrates the gift of miracles in restoring faith. When Tabitha, a beloved disciple, passed away, her community called upon Peter. Empowered by God, Peter brought Tabitha back to life. This miracle extended beyond Tabitha’s physical restoration; it led to a spiritual awakening for many. As Acts 9:42 states, “many people believed in the Lord” as a result of this miraculous event.
Peter raising Tabitha from the dead
God used Peter to perform a miracle that not only restored physical life but also breathed new life into the wavering faith of many, reminding them of God’s power to overcome even death.
3. Strengthening Faith: Fortifying Conviction
The account of Paul and Silas in prison in Acts 16 illustrates how miracles strengthen existing faith, even amidst adversity. After being unjustly arrested, beaten, and imprisoned, Paul and Silas responded not with despair, but with prayer and hymns of praise. Their unwavering faith in God, even in dire circumstances, was itself a testament to the strengthening power of the Spirit. The subsequent earthquake, a miraculous event that opened prison doors, was a further affirmation of God’s presence and power.
Paul and Silas in prison, an earthquake opens doors
While the earthquake itself is the overt miracle, the deeper miracle lies in Paul and Silas’ unwavering faith and joyful praise in the face of suffering. Their attitude became a powerful witness to the other prisoners, allowing them to witness firsthand the strength and peace that faith in Jesus provides. The miracle served as a catalyst, strengthening not only Paul and Silas’ faith but also impacting those around them.
Miracles in the Modern Era: A Continuing Reality?
The question of whether miracles still occur today is a subject of ongoing discussion among Christians. Some believe that the gift of miracles remains active and accessible to believers today, while others believe that biblical miracles were primarily for validating the early church and are less common now.
God’s power is not limited by time; He remains capable of working miracles through His people whenever He chooses.
While the frequency of miracles might seem different from the times of Jesus and the early apostles, the nature of God has not changed. The same Holy Spirit that empowered believers in the past resides in believers today. As Paul emphasizes in his letters (Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11), spiritual gifts are intended to be a normal part of church life. Therefore, we should remain open to the possibility that God may choose to manifest the gift of miraculous power through us, to initiate, restore, or strengthen the faith of those around us. Recognizing and being receptive to the gift of miracles means acknowledging God’s boundless power and His desire to reveal Himself in extraordinary ways, even today.
