With this time of year and our celebration of the birth of Christ, I thought it was quite relevant to share some of the impressions I had today while reading about miracles in the scriptures. Before I begin, I want to express my gratitude for the most important miracle of all, Jesus Christ. He is my Redeemer and my friend. He came to Earth to save me from my sins so that I might live again. He continuously offers a bright example to me of how to really live. He is the true source of all miracles. For this reason alone, I believe in miracles.
So...I think it is a good question that the scriptures pose, "Have miracles ceased?" (Moroni 7). There have been times in my life that miracles have ceased, where I have stopped working with God to produce miracles in my life. These verses point out clearly that the only reason miracles would ever cease in our world today is because of the lack of faith on our part, not God's part. If that is true, then it is reasonable to believe that miracles occurring in our lives are present because of our faith. He has never forgotten about us. He will never abandon us.
Miracles are unexplainable. They are the impossible, made possible. Moroni 7:33 And Christ said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.
If there are miracles lacking in my life, it is only because of my lack of faith, nothing else. I think it is amazing that God allows us to be co-creators with His matchless power.
Moroni 7:26 Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto him.
So if I take an inventory of what miracles I need in my life that remain unseen, am I willing to ask God for direction, guidance, strength so these miracles can be manifest? Am I willing to be obedient and meek to see His perfect power in my life? Is my belief in Him sufficient? If not, what am I willing to do to strengthen my faith? And what miracles have I already witnessed in my life and the lives of others that serve as reminders of God's miraculous power?
Some of my modern miracles include:
-To have the strength to effectively be a single parent to three children. I am not sure anyone can fathom the miracle in this unless they have been there. Somehow I am blessed with the insight, drive and perspective to keep on, keeping on…even when I fall flat on my face. My children are healthy. They are safe. They are happy. God is behind this.
- To secure employment that not only enriches my life and the lives of others, but allows me to be able to financially provide for my children at the same time. I am amazed at the miracle of this opportunity in my life. I couldn't have asked for a situation any more perfect than the flexibility and setting. This is God's doing.
-To find friends that are perfect for me in my varying stages of life. I asked God when I moved to Utah four years ago to help me connect me with women who would be able to support me and share in my burdens. Within a few months of arriving, I had already connected with so many amazing women. Four years later these special women are still an inspiration and example to me in my life. God did this!
-To live in an amazing community where my children can run about and play. I was guided to pursue renting an apartment that I would have never secured all on my own. His timing was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Nothing short of a miracle.
-To experience forgiving others for their serious trespasses against me. I know the risks associated with bitterness, resentment and hatred as a result of being betrayed. I am very well aware of the path this type of hurt could lead to if I did not use the Atonement of Jesus Christ to lighten my burdens and help me forgive. Gratefully the miracle of being able to forgive has deepened my relationship with the Savior as I have had to turn so many things over to Him. My ability to let go has all been because of Him. Miraculous!!
These are a few of the miracles that God was able to generate because of my belief in Him. I know I exercised faith at these times. I called on His name. If you are ever in need of miracles in your life, or if you ever begin to think miracles have ceased because God no longer hears your prayers or doesn't love you, please remember it is only through our faith that God can work miracles in our lives. He is perfectly capable of creating miracles. We just have to believe in Him and ask. And to that question, "Have miracles ceased?" Moroni answers, "Behold I say unto you, nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain." (Moroni 7:37)
What are some of the miracles you have seen in your life because you believed in Him?? And can you even imagine the dream God dreams for us?!
