A Work Of Miracles: We Are His Hands
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
As a teacher, I have become accustomed to artfully answering questions that do not have an obvious answer. Often, these thought-provoking questions encourage deep thinking or conversation. I consider these interactions to be great gifts of God, as they allow time for myself and my students to learn, teach, and grow with one another in His love.
When one of my students approached me and asked me to define the word “miracle”, I answered quickly and without hesitation. A miracle, I explained, is that which cannot be easily explained; an answer to a prayer that seemed unattainable or an act of the love of God that the human heart simply cannot comprehend. But then, the follow-up question was thrown my way, “So, can we do miracles for other people to help Jesus?” Can we? We looked to Scripture for our answer. The engagement that I had with that student following her innocent inquiry is a conversation I consider to be one of the most profound I have ever had with anyone, despite the fact that she was only 5 years old. The lessons we learned together are just as important for her young mind as they are for my own and yours as well.
Helping Hands
The miracles that were performed by God prior to the birth and life of Jesus Christ were abundant, as evidenced in Psalm 77:14, which says, “You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” The life of Jesus presents us with further scriptural documentation of His ability to work miracles during His earthly ministry. In fact, the miracles of Jesus were so numerous that, had they all been written, no one book could have contained their stories (John 21:25).
But it was the act of Jesus in commissioning His disciples, saying, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15), that provided the gift of miracle-sharing power not only to those close to Him, but to all His followers in generations to come. In this blessing, Jesus was not only mobilizing the physical abilities of His disciples to preach and teach for the benefit of supporting believers and converting non-believers, but also to intercede on behalf of those in need of healing or hope by performing miracles in His name.
According to Mark 16:20, “They went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” These followers of Christ became the living representations of God, and they continued their mission even after Jesus had ascended and was no longer present in a physical sense. Their actions served as a manifestation of what it means to bring miracles to others. The hands of those first disciples became the tools through which God continued to perform miracles (Acts 19:11). The same can be said for us, believers living in our contemporary age. We have been called by God, chosen to be His people, not only to live out our purpose to glorify Him, but to continue the work of His hands, spreading the Good News and aiding Him in spreading miracles to others. We are not exempt from the ability to work for Him simply because of the passage of time.
For those who believe, nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Our belief serves as a conduit for the miracles of God to continue taking place. Likewise, we have been assured that we have the ability to do all things through the power of Christ (Philippians 4:13). This capacity is not limited solely to discussing Scripture or sharing the Gospel, although those remain important aspects of our spiritual life. Our responsibility lies in helping God’s miracles come to fruition, and it is a gift that has been entrusted to us by the One who loves and cares for us. In large and small things, we are expected to carry out the mission of the God who has blessed us with abundant grace.
Sending Forth Miracles
The thought of taking an active role in bringing miracles to others through the intercession of the hands of God remains on my heart. Following the discussion I had with my student, I began to regularly pray over my learners–and children everywhere–that they might grow in their capacity to love and serve the Lord. Today, I pray the same for you. As young women growing in the Word, it is up to us to bring the Truth of God’s miracles to those whose lives we touch every day. I pray that the miracle-working power of God becomes a part of your very being, that you might be able to actively take on your role as His hands with excitement and enthusiasm.
A Prayer for Your Journey
Lord, I know that I am Your hands here on Earth. Help me to fix my eyes on You so that I might be able to discern my role in aiding Your miracles as they come to light for others. I thank You for the many miracles, large and small, with which I have been blessed. I ask that You help me to see You more clearly in the many miracles revealed to me each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
What miracles has God blessed you with? How can this help you to serve others?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rebecca is an elementary school teacher turned college professor, Christian writer, and avid traveler who lives in the American Southwest. She believes that the best days are the ones that are spent outside with Jesus, her family, a good cup of tea, and a soundtrack of wind chimes and birdsong. Rebecca is passionate about finding everyday miracles as well as sharing Truth with young people, growing together in knowing God on an even deeper level. The goal of her writing is to lead others to the love and light of Christ by making the Word of God accessible.