How great are His miracles,
and how mighty His wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom,
and His dominion is from generation to generation.
Daniel 4:3 (HCSB)
Series: The Breadcrumb Trail
A few months back, as I sat in the stillness before dawn, thoughts of unworthiness flooded my soul. Tears welled in my eyes as I replayed all the reasons I was not good enough for the unconditional love of God. The confidence of the finished work of Christ eluded my heart, even though the words I had just read on the pages of my Bible confirmed I was worthy.
As I wrestled with those lies, my phone lit up with a message from a dear friend. Knowing the early hour, she asked if it was okay to call me. I gathered myself to prepare for a conversation and agreed to talk. Moments later, I answered her call and listened to her urgent words, encouraging me in the very truths I needed to hear.
Proverbs 25:11 (HCSB) says:
A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples on a silver tray.
I knew it was not a coincidence that my sister in Christ called me with the exact promises and principles with which I was wrestling. God not only sees our struggles and hears our cries, but He sends others to help us in our moments of weakness, doubt, and pain. What a tremendous friend we have in Jesus! And He uses people to be His hands and feet and mouthpiece in the earth.
Our Father orchestrates these divine moments through the power of His Holy Spirit and our faith in Jesus. As we connect with Him, surrender to Him, and make ourselves available for Him, we become His ambassadors—His truth, love, compassion, and help—to those with whom we interact. Jesus said, as recorded in John 14:12 (HCSB):
“I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.”
The greater works are not defined. As we study the works of Jesus, our minds often go to the big miracles of healing the masses or feeding the thousands. But Jesus also taught individuals truth, extended compassion, provided loving acceptance, and encouraged others in faith. These works do not pale in comparison. They are just as wonderful and impactful, especially to the one on the receiving end.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT) encourages us:
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Another translation of that verse instructs us to be ready in season and out of season. No matter the hour. No matter the demands. No matter if we feel like it, or not. As members of the family of God, we are to make ourselves available for the use of the Lord for the service and support to others. When we surrender to this call, mighty miracles and wonderful works are performed and received.
I’m so grateful my precious friend answered that urge from the Lord to reach out to me in the wee hours of that morning to encourage and strengthen me in truth. How about you? Has a friend called you at just the moment you needed? Have you been told a truth that spoke directly to your circumstance, unbeknownst to the teller? Or have you discovered an unexpected blessing at your door or in your mailbox at the exact time of crisis? Perhaps you have been the delivery person for others.
Many times, the miracles we receive from the Lord are dressed up in packages that look like, well, you and me! God uses people to provide encouragement, strength, truth, counsel, prayer, support, and love that comes from Him. The possibilities are endless and are packaged in any form, from heartfelt words to gifts of time to providing actual physical needs, and so much more.
You could be someone’s miracle today, doing the greater works Jesus spoke of. Let’s spend some quiet time with Him today and pray this: “Use me, Lord, to be an extension of You. Send me where You want me to go and, like golden apples, give me the words to say at the moment they need to be spoken. I am here to be Your love and light to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Daniel 4:3; Proverbs 25:11; John 14:12; 2 Timothy 4:2
