Favor Fridays with Tony: Miracles

Miracles are extraordinary events that reveal the power, love, and faithfulness of God. They defy natural explanations and remind us of His sovereignty over all creation. Today, we focus on the incredible topic of miracles and the faith required to believe that God hears our prayers, sees our faith, and is both able and willing to answer them.

What Are Miracles?

Miracles are divine interventions in the natural order, orchestrated by God to reveal His glory, deliver His people, and strengthen their faith. Throughout the Bible, miracles serve as reminders of God's presence, power, and purpose. Whether healing the sick, providing in times of need, or delivering His people from danger, God’s miracles testify to His unwavering love and ability to work on our behalf.

Miracles in the Bible

The Bible is rich with accounts of God performing miracles to bless, heal, and deliver His people. Here are some significant examples:

The Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s pursuing army, God parted the waters through Moses, allowing His people to cross on dry ground. This miracle not only delivered them from danger but also demonstrated God’s ability to make a way where there seemed to be none.
Manna in the Wilderness (Exodus 16) As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, God provided manna from heaven daily to sustain them. This miracle of provision reminded them that He is their source and that His blessings are new every morning.
The Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6) The Israelites’ victory at Jericho was not through conventional warfare but through obedience to God’s instructions. As they marched around the city and shouted in faith, the walls collapsed, showcasing the power of faith and divine intervention.
Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17:7-16) During a famine, the prophet Elijah was sent to a widow with limited resources. As she obeyed Elijah’s request to prepare food for him, God miraculously multiplied her flour and oil, sustaining her household until the famine ended.
Jesus Turns Water Into Wine (John 2:1-11) At a wedding in Cana, Jesus performed His first recorded miracle by turning water into wine, demonstrating His divine authority and care for even the smallest details of life.
The Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12) When four friends lowered a paralyzed man through the roof to reach Jesus, their faith moved Him to heal the man and forgive his sins. This miracle highlighted the power of intercession and the importance of faith.
Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed a multitude, showing that God can multiply what we offer in faith to meet every need.
The Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11) Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days, displaying His authority over life and death and affirming that nothing is impossible with God.
Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33) When Peter stepped out of the boat at Jesus’ command, he walked on water. This miracle demonstrated the power of keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting Him, even in the midst of storms.
The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) The outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to speak in tongues and perform miracles, confirming that God’s power continues to work through His people.

Faith in Action

Each miracle in the Bible is tied to faith. Faith is the key that unlocks the supernatural. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Persistent Faith: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment, believing it would bring healing. Her faith was rewarded as she was instantly healed.
Intercessory Faith: The friends of the paralytic believed on his behalf, and their determination to bring him to Jesus resulted in both physical and spiritual healing.
Obedient Faith: Naaman, the Syrian commander, followed the prophet Elisha’s instruction to dip seven times in the Jordan River, resulting in his miraculous healing from leprosy (2 Kings 5).

Modern-Day Miracles

Miracles didn’t stop with the Bible; they continue today as testimonies of God’s power and love. Here are a few examples from my own life:

My parents being spared on the same day: A moment of divine intervention that reminds me of God’s protection.
My grandfather’s deliverance from bronchitis: A testament to God’s healing hand and faithfulness in answering prayers.
Healing from a foot fracture in junior high: God’s restoration in a time of physical weakness.
Overcoming anxiety through God’s power: A deeply personal miracle that brought peace and freedom.
Completing a 40-day fast: God’s strength carried me through, deepening my faith and dependence on Him.
My mom walking again after nearly 10 years. God’s restoration in a time of physical weakness once again.

These personal experiences are reminders that God is still in the miracle-working business, and He is just as present and active today as He was in biblical times. Be sure to come back next week for more details about these experienced miracles in "Favor Fridays with Tony: Testimonies".

Staying in Faith

Believing in miracles requires faith—faith that God hears our prayers, sees our needs, and desires to bless us. Here are some steps to help you stay in faith as you wait for your miracle:

Pray Boldly and Persistently: Jesus encourages us in Matthew 7:7-8 to ask, seek, and knock. Persistent prayer demonstrates faith and trust in God’s timing.
Meditate on His Promises: Fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Scriptures like Jeremiah 32:27 (“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”) remind us of His limitless power.
Surround Yourself With Believers: Fellowship with others who share your faith can strengthen you, provide encouragement, and remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Give Thanks in Advance: Praise God for the miracle even before it manifests. Gratitude demonstrates trust and expectancy.
Trust His Timing: God’s timing is perfect. Delays are not denials but opportunities for growth and preparation.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you are waiting for a miracle, take heart. The same God who parted the Red Sea, healed the sick, and raised the dead is the God who hears your prayers. Trust in His power, love, and faithfulness. Remember Jesus’ words in Mark 9:23: “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Miracles are not relics of the past; they are living testimonies of God’s presence among us. Keep believing, keep praying, and keep trusting. Your miracle may be just around the corner.