Perhaps the fact that there are far fewer miracles today compared to the apostles' times cause you to wonder if there were really so many miracles back then. Consider the following:
"Why were there many miracles during the apostles’ time? Essentially it was really about the purpose of miracles and the timing of God’s redemption plan. God was going to set up the church at that time. If Jesus did not heal or cast out demons often, then the multitude would not believe that He was sent by the Father..... Instead of constantly hoping for miracles today, we should appreciate that Jesus did miracles to demonstrate that He was the Son of God, so that people would believe. When the disciples preached the gospel, they were empowered to heal, speak in tongue, cure the sick and even restore lives. The purpose was to establish the church. We should see the reasons for their miracles instead of simply expecting them to be repeated today.
"Although there were many miracles during the apostles' time, Christians also faced intense persecutions – arrests, imprisoned and even put to death. However, convinced by the Holy Spirit that they were living – or dying – for a living savior, they held onto their faith. The Spirit and miracles strengthened their conviction that God exists, and they continued to persevere. Today, we tend to look at the miracles and ignore the sufferings that they had to endure"
By understanding the purpose of miracles back then, we will realize the reason for less miracles today, instead of still hoping for more miracles if we get our act together ie if we pray, read the Scriptures and fast more. I hasten to act that today, miracles have not totally ceased - here are still some miracle healings, casting out demons and answered prayer -- , but it is evidently they are much less today than the apostles' time.
Adapted from 'Understanding prayer, Faith and God's Will: Compass for Christian Faith' by Roman Ri
