John 9:1-11
As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. Jesus' disciples asked, "Teacher, why was this man born blind? Was it because he or his parents sinned?" "No, it wasn't!" Jesus answered. "But because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him. As long as it is day, we must do what the one who sent me wants me to do. When night comes, no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light for the world."
After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man's eyes. Then he said, "Go and wash off the mud in Siloam Pool." The man went and washed in Siloam, which means "One Who Is Sent." When he had washed off the mud, he could see.
The man's neighbors and the people who had seen him begging wondered if he really could be the same man. Some of them said he was the same beggar, while others said he only looked like him. But he told them, "I am that man."
"Then how can you see?" they asked. He answered, "Someone named Jesus made some mud and smeared it on my eyes. He told me to go and wash it off in Siloam Pool. When I did, I could see."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having a baby… anticipating the birth… preparing, planning, and counting the days… and then the doctors tell you, “Your child is blind.” Surely you would ask, “What happened?” and wonder if perhaps you (the parents) did something wrong. Even if you knew you did everything perfectly and followed doctors’ orders to the letter during the pregnancy, you might ask, “Is this God’s way of punishing me for something I’ve done?” Clearly, Jesus mandates to all parents here in this passage that this is not God’s intention. In fact, He explains that such things are opportunities for us to witness God’s miracles in action.
This was the case for my friend, MawMac, who recently died. A tragic set of circumstances at birth caused her precious daughter, Mary, to have cerebral palsy. Born nearly 60 years ago, Mary could easily have been tucked away at home or in an institution, as people did with children who suffered such maladies “back then.” But Mary’s parents treated her as normally as possible… and I don’t have time or space to tell you all of the miracles that countless people witnessed through her affliction and how her family handled them.
In much the same manner, we all have challenges and issues that we would love to blame on our childhood, our parents, or even God’s punishment. But we cannot. Remember… God does not make mistakes. Each challenge, blemish, unfortunate circumstance, or deformity is a chance for us to see God’s miraculous power at work. God can use these situations to teach us faith, grace, mercy… to show us His healing power… and to teach us patience and perseverance. God can show us how to grow in our love for Him… and how to have courage when things seem to go awry at every turn.
Every circumstance is an opportunity for God to teach us more about Him… to share His miraculous love and power. What is He teaching you today? What challenges are you facing? Are you allowing Him to help you see them as stumbling blocks… or miracles in the making?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label miracles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miracles. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 25, 2011
July 25 ~ John 4:46-53
Now he was back in Cana of Galilee, the place where he made the water into wine. Meanwhile in Capernaum, there was a certain official from the king's court whose son was sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked that he come down and heal his son, who was on the brink of death. Jesus put him off: "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe."But the court official wouldn't be put off. "Come down! It's life or death for my son." Jesus simply replied, "Go home. Your son lives." The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home. On his way back, his servants intercepted him and announced, "Your son lives!"
He asked them what time he began to get better. They said, "The fever broke yesterday afternoon at one o'clock." The father knew that that was the very moment Jesus had said, "Your son lives." That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
So much of what we do in life is based on proof. We want our significant others to prove that they love us by showering us with affection, gifts, endearing words and more. We want our bosses to prove that we are doing a good job by praising us and rewarding our efforts. We want coaches and teachers to prove that they believe we have learned what they taught by giving us good grades. We want others to prove their friendship by always being available - even at a moment’s notice. We want the doctor to prove that we really are healed by showing us the x-rays and lab results that verify this.
Even in simple things, we require proof… if the car dealer says his vehicle gets the best gas mileage and goes from zero to sixty in a certain amount of time, we want documentation and a test drive. If a detergent promises to get out any stain, we’ll give it a try on our toughest ones before we believe the claim. Acne medications better deliver those almost-overnight results, or we want our money back! Even in the movies, we hear, “Show me the money!” So it should come as no surprise that most people demand proof in their Spiritual life, also.
But unlike the mortal world, where proof is required – and often justifiable – demanding proof from Jesus demonstrates immature faith, at best. And it may be an indication that we really have no faith at all! Look back at the scripture passage and review Jesus’ words to this effect… "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe." I’m afraid this applies to most of us much of the time. We want fireworks and lightning bolts, disappearing tumors and bills that are mysteriously paid in full… and a whole lot more. We want that unexpected bonus check in the mail and the “A” we didn’t see coming on our biology test… and we want God to, essentially, “show us the money!”
In reality, what we need is more faith… the persistent faith of this court officer. We need to be saying, “C’mon, God… I am counting on You to do what only YOU can do! I will not give up. I’m believing that what You promised, You will deliver. I know that you can perform miracles and wonders in my life, if You choose. But I also know that every day You bless me, that is miracle enough! I will recognize Your presence and power in my life in all things… and I will trust You to know what I need and how - and when - to deliver it.”
What about you… do you require the dazzle of a major miracle? Must Jesus turn water into wine for you… or is it enough that He gives you His Living Water every day? Must you have a major breakthrough, financial windfall, or incredible healing… or are you dazzled that He breathes into you the Breath of Life? What is your faith level… do you have real faith in Jesus in the first place? Isn’t it time you started believing in Him and acknowledging everything He does for you every minute of the day? Isn’t this dazzle enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Now he was back in Cana of Galilee, the place where he made the water into wine. Meanwhile in Capernaum, there was a certain official from the king's court whose son was sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked that he come down and heal his son, who was on the brink of death. Jesus put him off: "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe."But the court official wouldn't be put off. "Come down! It's life or death for my son." Jesus simply replied, "Go home. Your son lives." The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home. On his way back, his servants intercepted him and announced, "Your son lives!"
He asked them what time he began to get better. They said, "The fever broke yesterday afternoon at one o'clock." The father knew that that was the very moment Jesus had said, "Your son lives." That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
So much of what we do in life is based on proof. We want our significant others to prove that they love us by showering us with affection, gifts, endearing words and more. We want our bosses to prove that we are doing a good job by praising us and rewarding our efforts. We want coaches and teachers to prove that they believe we have learned what they taught by giving us good grades. We want others to prove their friendship by always being available - even at a moment’s notice. We want the doctor to prove that we really are healed by showing us the x-rays and lab results that verify this.
Even in simple things, we require proof… if the car dealer says his vehicle gets the best gas mileage and goes from zero to sixty in a certain amount of time, we want documentation and a test drive. If a detergent promises to get out any stain, we’ll give it a try on our toughest ones before we believe the claim. Acne medications better deliver those almost-overnight results, or we want our money back! Even in the movies, we hear, “Show me the money!” So it should come as no surprise that most people demand proof in their Spiritual life, also.
But unlike the mortal world, where proof is required – and often justifiable – demanding proof from Jesus demonstrates immature faith, at best. And it may be an indication that we really have no faith at all! Look back at the scripture passage and review Jesus’ words to this effect… "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe." I’m afraid this applies to most of us much of the time. We want fireworks and lightning bolts, disappearing tumors and bills that are mysteriously paid in full… and a whole lot more. We want that unexpected bonus check in the mail and the “A” we didn’t see coming on our biology test… and we want God to, essentially, “show us the money!”
In reality, what we need is more faith… the persistent faith of this court officer. We need to be saying, “C’mon, God… I am counting on You to do what only YOU can do! I will not give up. I’m believing that what You promised, You will deliver. I know that you can perform miracles and wonders in my life, if You choose. But I also know that every day You bless me, that is miracle enough! I will recognize Your presence and power in my life in all things… and I will trust You to know what I need and how - and when - to deliver it.”
What about you… do you require the dazzle of a major miracle? Must Jesus turn water into wine for you… or is it enough that He gives you His Living Water every day? Must you have a major breakthrough, financial windfall, or incredible healing… or are you dazzled that He breathes into you the Breath of Life? What is your faith level… do you have real faith in Jesus in the first place? Isn’t it time you started believing in Him and acknowledging everything He does for you every minute of the day? Isn’t this dazzle enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 3, 2010
Romans 15:30
My friends, by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love that comes from the Holy Spirit, I beg you to pray sincerely with me and for me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I had a really good visit recently with my cousin, J.D., and he was telling me that he has begun spending two hours or more in prayer each morning. He readily admitted that he is blessed to have uninterrupted time to devote to prayer. But he also said repeatedly, “I’m telling you, it works!” Having said this, we both agreed that sometimes we Christians become too legalistic about such things as prayer. In other words, we decide that we have to pray a certain way for a certain length of time on certain days. We become slaves to the “law” of prayer – and we lose the holiness and power that genuine prayer and communion with God brings.
If you think that genuine prayer with and for others doesn’t work, I have J.D.’s permission to tell you differently. See, he reminded me today that “someone prayed for me for years.” I was that someone, although I know countless others prayed for him, too. I do not recall this particular incident, but J.D. says that when my dad died eleven years ago, I approached him at the cemetery, touched his arm, and said, “I’m praying for you.” At that time, J.D. was a serious crystal methamphetamine addict. Ultimately, he spent time in prison because of his addiction and associated activities. And while he was in prison, I continued to pray for him – even when he wrote letters and demanded that I stop praying and told me how much he hated the world … and God.
Today, J.D. is a full-time Holy Spirit-filled evangelist, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and leading worship wherever he gets an opportunity. He said he can hardly talk to anyone these days without saying, “I love you,” and meaning it. We laughed as I told him that nowadays, when I come up against a seemingly impossible situation, I remind myself and others, “If God can change J.D., He can change this!” J.D. wholeheartedly agreed … and anyone who spends a few minutes with him can see the joy he has found in his relationship with Jesus.
I will be the first to tell you that my prayer life could use some polishing. I need to be more diligent in my efforts to bring my own concerns and the needs of others before God. I need to make a more concerted effort to spend time in communion with God each day. I’m not saying there is a magic formula for all of us – and two hours a day may be far too difficult for many of us to set aside, while for others, much more time may be needed. But often, we hear people say, “All we can do is pray.” The fact is, often that is all we need to do, because in many circumstances, sincere prayer is enough! God will handle the rest.
By the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love that comes from the Holy Spirit, I challenge each of us to pray sincerely – with me and for me. I can’t even fathom the ramifications if we all got serious about our prayer life. The same God who changed my cousin J.D. is waiting to change zillions of other situations presented to Him in prayer. Are you willing to commit to this? Isn’t it worth a shot?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My friends, by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love that comes from the Holy Spirit, I beg you to pray sincerely with me and for me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I had a really good visit recently with my cousin, J.D., and he was telling me that he has begun spending two hours or more in prayer each morning. He readily admitted that he is blessed to have uninterrupted time to devote to prayer. But he also said repeatedly, “I’m telling you, it works!” Having said this, we both agreed that sometimes we Christians become too legalistic about such things as prayer. In other words, we decide that we have to pray a certain way for a certain length of time on certain days. We become slaves to the “law” of prayer – and we lose the holiness and power that genuine prayer and communion with God brings.
If you think that genuine prayer with and for others doesn’t work, I have J.D.’s permission to tell you differently. See, he reminded me today that “someone prayed for me for years.” I was that someone, although I know countless others prayed for him, too. I do not recall this particular incident, but J.D. says that when my dad died eleven years ago, I approached him at the cemetery, touched his arm, and said, “I’m praying for you.” At that time, J.D. was a serious crystal methamphetamine addict. Ultimately, he spent time in prison because of his addiction and associated activities. And while he was in prison, I continued to pray for him – even when he wrote letters and demanded that I stop praying and told me how much he hated the world … and God.
Today, J.D. is a full-time Holy Spirit-filled evangelist, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and leading worship wherever he gets an opportunity. He said he can hardly talk to anyone these days without saying, “I love you,” and meaning it. We laughed as I told him that nowadays, when I come up against a seemingly impossible situation, I remind myself and others, “If God can change J.D., He can change this!” J.D. wholeheartedly agreed … and anyone who spends a few minutes with him can see the joy he has found in his relationship with Jesus.
I will be the first to tell you that my prayer life could use some polishing. I need to be more diligent in my efforts to bring my own concerns and the needs of others before God. I need to make a more concerted effort to spend time in communion with God each day. I’m not saying there is a magic formula for all of us – and two hours a day may be far too difficult for many of us to set aside, while for others, much more time may be needed. But often, we hear people say, “All we can do is pray.” The fact is, often that is all we need to do, because in many circumstances, sincere prayer is enough! God will handle the rest.
By the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love that comes from the Holy Spirit, I challenge each of us to pray sincerely – with me and for me. I can’t even fathom the ramifications if we all got serious about our prayer life. The same God who changed my cousin J.D. is waiting to change zillions of other situations presented to Him in prayer. Are you willing to commit to this? Isn’t it worth a shot?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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