Pastor's Ponderings, April 8, 2019

God Performs Miracles Today

Recently, my wife and went I out to dinner. I went to the restroom to wash my hands and apparently my wedding ring slid off.  When I returned to the table, I quickly noticed that the ring that I had worn for over forty years was gone.  I panicked.  When I shared my distress with my wife, she immediately said to return to the restroom. I followed her good advice and there on the trashcan, waiting to slip into the abyss of wet towels, my ring was sitting.  Needless to say, I was thrilled.

In great and small ways, God performs miracles in our lives (Matthew 19:26). The car that did not crash into us, the burglar that changed their mind, the employer that would have downsized us, but decided to give us another chance are all demonstrations of the power of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  We have to know that God is always behind the scenes working in our behalf and doing things that we could not possibly do for ourselves (Ephesians 3:20).  This is not to say that terrible things cannot happen to us, but we know that God is still in control and works for our good (Romans 8:28).  He is working in us for His good pleasure to fulfill His purpose in our lives (Philippians 2:13).

Let us remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and we can live our lives through Him who strengthens us to do so (Philippians 4:13). When others are speaking despair, we can share with them that He cares.  When others feel hopeless, we can share that our hope is in Him.  When others say that their life is cloudy and gray, we can witness that He is the light of our life and He wants to be the same for them. God is still working miracles!

Matthew 19:26
New International Version (NIV)

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Ephesians 3:20 
New International Version (NIV)

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Romans 8:28
Amplified Bible (AMP)
28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

Philippians 2:13

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose

Nehemiah 8:10
New International Version (NIV)

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Philippians 4:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.