Frederick the Great, King of Prussia in the mid-1700s, once summoned the pastor of his courts asking for proof of God’s existence. The pastor thought for a minute then answered: “the Jews.”
He thoughtfully asked the king to consider how God’s people had been preserved time and time again despite incessant persecution. In Psalm 77:13-14, Asaph, David’s song leader, described it like this: “… What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”
Today, God’s people make up more than just those of Jewish descent. In Romans 1:16, Paul explains the good news for every believer. He writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
God promises to prove Himself powerful to all who believe. Jesus demonstrated this mightily through the many miracles He performed while on earth.
We read about one in John 6:1-15. A crowd of about 5,000 men, plus women and children, had gathered to hear Jesus teach. They were far from home and had grown hungry. So Jesus asked Philip, one of His disciples, where they could buy food for the people.
Verse 6 reveals, “He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.”
Philip replied, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Then Peter spoke: “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus didn’t respond to the disciples’ questions; instead, He instructed everyone to sit down. He took the boy’s loaves and fish, gave thanks for them, and began distributing the food. When the entire crowd was full, He told the disciples to gather what remained. The leftovers filled twelve baskets!
Friends, it’s no secret that in this life, we all face troubles—believers and unbelievers alike. The good news is that God promises to preserve us—to show himself strong on our behalf and to multiply all we need to fulfill His will on the earth.
Just as in our story, He already has our miracle in mind. But we must let Him work. We can’t rely on our own limited human understanding. Instead, we have to trust in God’s creative power, understanding that His resources are greater than our own. His reasons are, too!
Whatever miracle you’re believing for today, I encourage you to approach it like Jesus did. Put your concerns in God’s hands and remain thankful for His influence. Then, when He answers, use His multiplied blessing to bless others.
As Ephesians 3:20 (MSG) says, “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!…” Our God is still a God of miracles!
