What is a Miracle?
What is a miracle? A miracle is a supernatural occurrence that is brought about by the intervention of God. It is something that happens by divine orchestration but is humanly impossible. It is God’s intervention in the natural state of things.
Many people find it difficult to believe in the possibility of a miracle or accept the reality of it. It is because they so not believe or accept God. They are the ones who try to logically explain the situation, and try to justify the event with their knowledge and theories. They do not want to agree or hold the knowledge of God in their hearts, and they have restricted their minds to the natural realm. So, if you attempt to tell them about a miracle you experienced, they might want to speak you into believing it is a spontaneous occurrence, without supernatural backing.
While there are many things to call a miracle, many of these are not a miracle in the true sense of it. The common events that people call miracle include waking up, giving birth, expression of nature’s beauty, salvation of the soul, etc.
Critically, these might be a miracle, but in the real sense, they are not supernatural manifestations. New birth or salvation of the soul is a supernatural event that takes place in the supernatural realm. This is a miracle, but not the miracle orchestrated by the gift of working of miracles. In fact, we can say that all the gifts of the Spirits are miracles since they are supernaturally powered and manifested by the Holy Spirit.
A true miracle, in the sense of it, is a supernatural manifestation in the natural realm. It is an alternation or deviation of the natural by supernatural manifestations of God’s power through the agency of the gift of working of miracles. For instance, Elijah divided the River Jordan with his mantle (2 Kings 2:8). This cannot occur naturally; it is a miracle. There was a spiritual alteration or intervention in the natural state of things.
The gift of working of miracles is part of the gifts of the Spirit. This gift is unique and different in every sense from other gifts. While healing may be miraculous, it is not necessarily a product of the gift of working of miracles. More reasons healings are often called healing miracles and not just healing.
“to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)
The gift was manifested in the Old Testament in different places. During the miraculous deliverance and exodus of the people of God, the Israelites, from the land of slavery, Egypt, the working of miracles was used consistently. The rod of Aaron was turned to serpent when he threw it on the ground (Exodus 7:10).
The plaques that came upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians were also manifestation of working of miracles. The widow who had the oil in her pot multiplied, filling several vessels also experienced the manifestation of this gift. Water came out of the rock, and the people drank of it. The Red Sea parted and the children of Israel walked on dry ground. These are all manifestation of God’s power through the operation and gift of working of miracles.
In the New Testament, there are significant manifestations of the gift of working of miracles. Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fishes which was supposed to be lunch for a little boy. Here’s the account of the miracle:
“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So, when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore, they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.” (John 6:11-13 NKJV)
Another account that will help us understand the operation of the gift of working of miracles is the encounter between Paul and the sorcerer, Elymas. The Bible says,
“But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” (Acts 13:8-12 NKJV)
The hand of the Lord came upon Elymas, and he was struck blind for a time. This was the operation of the gift of the working of miracles. Paul did not do this just for self-gratification; it was a supernatural manifestation that brings others who witnessed the event to believe in God.
[bctt tweet=”The gift of the working of miracles is a gift that brings glory to the Father. #giftofmiracles #HisSpirit” username=”AngelaLowe20″]
How to Activate or Develop this Gift
While we understand that not everyone will manifest a gift, as it is the Spirit of God who determines as He wills, we can also prepare and align ourselves to activate and develop this gift. The Bible says,
“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV)
Earnestly Desire
Apostle Paul, after addressing the gifts, the distribution across the body of Christ and the individual uniqueness of different part of the body, said, “But earnestly desire the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV). This implies that we can desire the gifts. Desire is the beginning of any significant thing. Desire is a form of hunger, and if we give ourselves to sincere hunger, we can get to receive the gifts.
Ask in Prayer
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 NKJV)
Prayer gives us a direct communication and access to God. Jesus had told us that we can receive whatever we ask in prayer. Do you desire this gift of working of miracles? Clear your heart and be sure it is not for a selfish purpose. Then ask.
Believing
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 NKJV)
Now asking in prayer is not enough, you must also believe that you have it already. Praying does not end at asking; you should also ensure you believe after asking.
[bctt tweet=”Asking in prayer is not enough, you must also believe that you have it already. #HolySpirit #healing” username=”AngelaLowe20″]
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Angela Lowe, MS. Ed., LPC
Angela Lowe is a licensed Professional Counselor, trained Biblical Counselor and certified Holistic Health Coach. Her kingdom mandate is to restore God’s counsel to transform lives, marriages, and churches worldwide.
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