July 17, 2020

Rerun of Daily Devotional March 2, 2018

One of the most innovative programs our church has done this year is having the children in Wednesday activities keep their own prayer journals.  In their journals, the children write prayers, but they also have the option of asking me questions.  You would be surprised where those little minds go.

I have answered a lot of questions about dinosaurs, the Holy Trinity, evil, why we cannot see God’s face, worry, the devil, when God was born, who was God’s mother, do I like my job, the list goes on and on…

One question that really got me thinking was a beautiful little girl who asked, “Why doesn’t God do magic anymore?”   I believe God does.

For this little girl, magic and miracles are synonymous.  If that is the case, then I saw God do a tremendous miracle/magic yesterday at church.

Gary was paralyzed in a farming accident last year that left him confined to a wheelchair.  It has been a long, slow, painful, and frustrating battle to regain the basic functions that most of us take for granted. 

Yesterday, Gary drove to church and walked all the way to his seat in the sanctuary with the assistance of a walker.  It was a true miracle.  And for this, I praise God.

If you, like this beautiful little girl, wonder if God still does magic/miracles, the answer is yes.

What we know is that God is not some sort of detached deity that sits back and watches from a distance.  God is just the opposite.  God is an active presence in each of our lives.  Sometimes we see God at work, sometimes we don’t.  But that doesn’t mean God is not with us. 

In fact, Matthew makes sure we always understand God’s presence by quoting  the prophet Isaiah and saying, “‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.'” (Matthew 1:23)

I pray that you are in a good place in life and everything is going your way.  But the reality is that some who will read this morning’s devotional are dealing with illness, financial issues, chemical dependency, physical abuse, strained relationships, and children who are making self-destructive decisions.

If you are struggling, know that you are not alone.  God loves you very much and is engineering events in your life to bring about healing and wholeness.  That’ s how much God loves you.

All God asks is that you be patient and trust.  Do your part and let God do the heavy lifting.

Never think that miracles don’t happen.  I saw one yesterday.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for allowing Gary to walk.  Thank you for all the miracles you perform in my life.  Help me to never take your presence or continual activity for granted.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

On another note, today marks the fourth anniversary of the Daily Devotionals.  I am both honored and humbled that you take the time to read them.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins