Miracles is a word we use often, sometimes casually, sometimes with deep emotion. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself what makes something a miracle? Is it simply something unexplainable, or is there more to it?
The word miracle comes from the Latin miraculum, meaning a wonder — something that causes us to marvel. At its core, a miracle arrests our attention and reminds us that there is more at work than what we can see or reason out. For those of us who believe, miracles are not random acts. They are God’s fingerprints. They are moments where His presence and power become visible.
Throughout Scripture, we see different kinds of miracles, and each one tells us something about God’s nature. Miracles over nature show His authority over creation, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22) and Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:39). Miracles of provision remind us that God cares about our needs, for example manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4) and the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21). Miracles of healing and restoration reveal God’s compassion and power over sickness and even death. The woman healed after twelve long years of bleeding (Luke 8:43–48) and Lazarus raised from the dead (John 11:43–44) are well-known examples. Miracles of deliverance show God’s power to rescue and protect, such as Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22) and Paul and Silas freed from prison (Acts 16:26).
Not all miracles are dramatic. God is still moving, still working, and still revealing His love and power in ways that often go unnoticed. Some miracles come quietly, such as a change of heart, a moment of peace where there used to be anxiety, or forgiveness flowing where bitterness once stood. When God softens a hardened heart, that is a miracle. When He restores hope to someone who thought all was lost, that is a miracle. When he lifts us from despair and makes a way where there was none, that is a miracle too.
It is important to know that not every supernatural experience is from God. Magic and sorcery, might produce mighty signs and wonders, but their roots and purposes are aim to deceive. Magic seeks to manipulate; miracles reveal God’s mercy. Magic draws attention to self; miracles draw us to the sovereignty of God. For example, when Pharaoh’s magicians tried to imitate the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron, their intention was to oppose God’s message and keep Pharaoh in defiance (Exodus 7:10–12).
The Bible implores us to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1) and warns that “false christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). This is why discernment matters, so that we can recognise God’s hand and not be deceived.
Miracles remind us that we serve a living God. Look for God’s hand in the small things, the quiet things, and the impossible things. The God who parted seas and raised the dead is still the same today, tomorrow and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Prayer
Lord, you are the God of miracles, the One who moves mountains, heals hearts, and makes a way where there seem to be no way. Open my eyes to see your hand at work in my life and in the lives of those around me. Protect me from deception and help me discern truth from falsehood. May my life be a living testimony of your signs and wonders.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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