The Miraculous

Hey guys! Today's lesson is about a personal miracle. And, it was convicting. The author talks about the fact that God -- though not a genie -- is in the miracle business. He tells us that while there is no formula for God there are some road signs to follow -- some principles -- and if not followed, then we are simply not in a position to have a miracle work in our lives. The author uses the story located in 2 Kings 4:1.

His first point is that we must understand -- admit -- that there is a need. And until "we acknowledge that His intervention is essential and invite Him into the situation" God cannot work. This sounds pretty familiar to the story in which it was explained that "he [Jesus] did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."

Admitting a need -- that you cannot do it -- leads you to the next sign. That is, you realize that the only one that can meet that need is God.

Next, is a stop sign. The author tells us that we need to stop and take inventory of what we DO have. "So, you have to take everything you have and give it to Him. Your time, talent, resources, and energy, no matter how limited they may seem, are God's staring place. Your willingness and surrender activate God's intervention and blessings. This reminds me of the story of the willing boy. We call it the feeding of the 5,000. Here is the dialogue. "Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'" The boy was willing to give what he had and at least Andrew saw something. Andrew had faith mixed with doubt. Philip had certainty that disallowed faith. God can use a little boy's willingness and a grownup's faith mixed with doubt. He can't use those whose certainty negates faith.
The author makes a statement that you-turns are allowed. That is, the widow saw "a little oil." Andrew saw five crackers and two sardines. And, that is enough. See what you do have not what you don't. "Faith is not ignoring the present reality; it's acknowledging that with God all things are possible.

Lastly, he tells us there is a yield sign. The widow was told to look for empty vessels. The author's point to this is that we need to look for people to pour into. And, when we have a problem, normally, we focus on us. But, "the best advice I can give you when you're going through a problem is to look for empty vessels to pour yourself into." If we want to find our dreams the best way is to give away ourselves helping others find theirs. Jesus said it this way -- whoever saves his life will loose it and whoever looses his life will save it. INVEST YOUR LIFE INTO OTHERS. I also think this was a test of her faith. How foolish must she have looked to go to all her neighbors and tell them she needed jars for oil. She was dead broke! And, so there are two principles: find people to invest in and God "works in our lives about as much as we expect him to work in our lives." Jesus said it this way: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

One other note, if you read on on Kings, the very next story involves a wealthy woman. The point is that we all NEED miracles.

As I sat on the plane yesterday and read this section, I was convicted. As some of you know, I have been in a very difficult financial position for about the last year. And, so, I paused, and asked God if I ever asked him in. I thought I did but couldn't remember. So, I asked for forgiveness if I hadn't and admitted my need to his miraculous touch.

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