Does God miraculously intervene in the lives of needy people?
The most important and miraculous of interventions ever staged by God was the coming to earth of his one and only begotten son. For three years, Jesus, God himself, walked among us. He taught us how to live according to principles that would help usher in the Father’s kingdom, laid down his life through crucifixion and took it up again through resurrection. The wrath of God against sin is now canceled and eternal life secured for all who accept his sacrifice. Their hearts and lives are transformed so they can view and respond to a lost world as Jesus does.
Yet God didn’t stop with Christ’s saving sacrifice. He is active in our world today in many ways, times and places. Below are just two out of many stories.
George Mueller who cared for hundreds of orphans in the early and mid 19th century, made the decision as a young man to go only to God with his needs. He continued this practice after he established an orphanage. If there was no food for breakfast, the staff and children would pray. Before long, a knock would sound at the door. Outside would be a person offering a gift of whatever the staff and children had just asked God for. This happened again and again and again.
A missionary family a few years ago ran out of food. The wife sensed God telling her to ask him for the ingredients to a favorite family meal so she prayed for the makings for a Mexican dinner. A few hours later groceries were delivered to her door with the very things she had prayed for.
Jesus said in John 16:33 that if we live in this world, we are guaranteed to face pain and hardship. But we are to take courage because he has overcome the world for us. In Romans 8, the apostle Paul listed various types of trials and tribulations we may encounter. He didn’t say God would prevent these trials but that he would make us more than conquerors in the midst of them and that no amount of anguish or suffering could ever separate us from God’s love (Rom. 8: 35-39.)
We tend to focus on the negative things around us and often overlook the good, the holy and the beautiful. I believe, with my whole heart that God is at work in far more ways than we can begin to imagine. He never leaves us or forsakes us, acting on our behalf and that of the world. But most of the time we miss what is right before our eyes
Let’s take God at his word, give him the benefit of the doubt, and trust his goodness and power. When we listen for his voice telling us to give of ourselves to a needy, hurting world and then obey with gladness, we will be the answer to our own prayers. We will usher in his kingdom and see that his will is done on this earth as it is in heaven.
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