Miracles, big and small
By Charles Christian
By definition, a “miracle” describes an event that goes beyond the normal or natural course of events. Most often, something is described as a miracle if it speeds up or overrides a natural process. It is “supernatural” — “above and beyond nature.”
Some people believe in miracles. Others do not. Many claim to have experienced miracles, while others tend to avoid asking for miracles. This last category of people either simply don’t believe that anything can transcend or supersede the “normal course of nature,” or they are afraid they will be disappointed.
The Bible records many miracles. These include instant healings, miracles of nature (parting the Red Sea, for instance, in Exodus) or other similar supernatural events. In early Christianity, as the newly-established church was spreading, miracles often accompanied the spread of the message of Christ (see Acts 5:12, for instance).
Regardless of what you think of individual miracles, the Christian faith is based upon what Christians regard as the greatest miracle of all: Jesus defeating death once and for all. The oldest official Christian holiday, Easter, celebrates the idea of resurrection. As the Bible puts it: “God raised Jesus from the dead” so that death is defeated once and for all, not only for Jesus, but for all who choose to follow Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-16).
This ultimate miracle causes a belief in the possibility of other miracles, big and small. Of course, even the most committed believer acknowledges that big miracles, by definition, are relatively rare. However, the ability to recognize everyday “miracles” — moments that transcend the ordinary day-to-day living that engages us — are quite common.
They are common, if we are willing to take the time to see them. A hummingbird hovering around a feeder, a flower blooming, a peaceful rain falling or a hug from a child, are all examples of natural events that can transcend — rise above — our everyday existence and can become small miracles.
Continue to pray for the big miracles. Look closely and prayerfully for the smaller ones. Finally, remember, even if the big ones don’t arrive right away (or at all), God has performed the greatest miracle of all, and that miracle is available to all who choose to believe.
