“Miracles”: The Distant Desire for Intimacy with GOD

Recently, I was in Amarillo meeting with men of my distant past, yet somehow, they remain relevant. I am honored and pleased.

The day of my departure, while en route to another meet, this thought came to me.

“It is better to be relational (transformation) with GOD and seek restoration (transformation) and healing, rather than only looking for Him to give a miracle (instant gratification)."

I decided to look into the deeper aspects of that statement of thought. I wanted to understand what GOD’s Spirit was saying to me. Maybe those who seek miracles don't want Who He (GOD) is but will gladly take what He has to offer.  Why is that?

Maybe those who seek miracles are completely out of "answers", and they need help in the area that has NO ANSWER outside of the SUPERNATURAL, which in reality is a response from the LORD they do not desire to know.

Should we as 'the created' focus on the deeper aspects of our existence that emphasize personal development, spiritual growth, and a broader understanding of GOD's character? YES!

As I understand things, relationships focus on the giver, and miracles focus on the gift. There could be some issues in this approach.

Why would someone without a relationship with another ask that same person to show him/her a GRAND GESTURE of kindness, when they do not care to have a lasting bond? A relational approach to the request would be for us to seek to know GOD's Ways, His Character, and His love for ourselves.

Miracles are accomplished outside of the realm of humankind. While powerful, they can sometimes be sought as 'immediate solutions' to problems without a corresponding desire to know the Source of that Power. ...which takes time and effort on the part of the requester.

Restoration (and some healing) is a process, and miracles are instantaneous actions. All of our healing and restoration will usually involve a process, likened to "therapy" or a gradual recovery, where growth and learning occur over 'time'.

The process of healing and restoration builds resilience, character, and deeper reliance on GOD and people. Truth be told (and understood) an instant miracle might not cultivate the same long-term spiritual maturity.

What do YOU think? Are you a taker or a giver?

Many of the people I meet with and journey with, I have learned that their restoration was and is about inner healing—restoring joy, spirit, and identity in GOD's Son.  All of that involves addressing deep wounds, forgiving, and letting go of past hurts.

What a struggle this can be and often is!

Do you recall in Scripture where 'certain' people wanted 'signs'. These signs often were 'proof' that GOD is involved. However, "miracles, signs and wonders" are not what the Son of GOD sought to be known for. He wanted their Trust in Him, thus the Father of the Torah there were to keep. Signs, while powerful reference points that confirmed Jesus was from GOD, the emphasis was for them to allow their faith to change their life. It would HAVE to be their faith (trust) in the Father’s Son, the Lamb of GOD.

Miracles in and of themselves are often associated with external, physical changes. The 'acts' of the unexplainable prioritizes the external value over the internal long-term hope.

When GOD's creation shows dependence on His Kindness, Pity and Mercy (His Grace), the process of seeking restoration in Him will teach humility and a sustained dependence on His Strength as well. When we do this, we find it is much better and more sustainable, rather than relying solely on one's own efforts or demanding a specific outcome.

The ongoing reliance on the Creator Who is always ready to extend His Whole Self, fosters a continuous, intimate communion with Him, His Character, His Word and His Ways.

Aligning with GOD's will and purpose is hugely separated from looking for what is in His ability and hands, and not in His eyes. Just like in mankind, "The eyes are the lamp to the body".

Pursuing a restorative union with your Maker involves understanding and acceptance of His will, which may not always align with immediate personal desires for a miracle.

Choosing to walk on THIS path encourages a person to live a life centered on GOD's overall purpose & plan and preparing for eternity, rather than just solving immediate earthly challenges.

We've woven through many words, perspectives and thoughts. Just as when Yeshua arrived at the Jordan and life for all became better (unless you were a naysayer), and the learning and growth began. Many of those individuals of Judah were already walking and crawling through trials, struggles, demons, spiritual blindness and sicknesses of many assortments. 

The journey of healing through challenges, rather than having them instantly erased, provides opportunities for extreme spiritual learning and maturation. As the next statement implies, GOD doesn't promise a life free from challenges but promises to walk with us through them. That is a key part of the interpersonal experience with the Spirit of Truth, that people try to go around. In the end, it ruins us because we work so hard to leave GOD out of His Own Work.

A real, honest and truth-filled connection with GOD WILL be a makeover like no other.  

All time spent with knowing and trying to understand His Ways and Character will lead to a renewal of the mind and a new identity in the Anointed One!  

Only seeking miracles can be a form of seeking right-now satisfaction, which can overlook the deeper, life-altering work GOD wants to accomplish from within THAT individual.

In the end, a genuine, on-going search of GOD will ALWAYS enhance the vulnerability that accompanies the seeking of renewal. Spiritual healing leads to a more fulfilling and sincere faith than a transactional (what He can give you) lifestyle that is frequently focused on the spectacular or the instantaneous.

Although miracles can draw attention to our need of the LORD and build initial faith, prioritizing them over a committed relationship can lead to a shallow spiritual life, one that may falter if the expected miracle doesn't happen.

A deep-rooted faith recognizes the consistent and renovating Power of GOD's Presence in everyday life. What comes out of that reconstruction and growth just so happens to be the restoration and healing that was needed all along!