Miracles

[liftmeup]

Ok here goes Mr David.

Example one:
About 10 years ago My husband and I were having financial problems, I had lost my job, new baby etc. Anyway, it was at that time that a tooth of mine started hurting, this was the same tooth that a few years before my dentist had said might need a root canal sometime in the future. Well, I didn't have enough money for a root canal (which can be a thousand dollars if you get a crown with it), I didn't even have enough money for a dentist visit.
Root canals are fairly serious. An untreated root canal can get infected, and that infection can go systemic and be deadly. That's when I said to God (this is a bit of a summary), "Well, you're the one who said you would take care of me, and you know as well as I do that there is no money to fix this tooth, so I'm going to have to rely on you for this. Please fix the tooth or give me the money to pay the dentist to fix it." Then I thought it about it a bit more and, after a pause, I added "While I'm asking, It would be really really nice if you could just fix the tooth instead of my having to endure a root canal at the dentist." I explained to God that though I really would prefer the healing, either choice would work providing the tooth got fixed (after all askers can't be choosy). I thanked God and went on my way, for I had too many other things to worry about.
Well over the two weeks following that prayer the pain in my tooth gradually went away. I figured that God had healed it since the pain was gone and no large sums of money appeared from some unexpected source in order to finance the root canal. Naturally I couldn't go to the dentist to find out what had happened because, of course I couldn't afford it.
Anyway a few years after that I did go to the dentist and he had gotten a fairly good x-ray photo of the tooth, and do you know what he said about it? He said (and I quote) "God gave me a root canal". As I recall he explained this by saying something about my tooth calcifying and filling in the space where the dead nerve had been.

I love this story about the tooth. Fantastic!

 

[jdale72]

Why do you say that? Can you tell me of any bonafide miracle that you have witnessed?

The Lord healed me of hemophilia when I was a kid. My dad felt to minister full time and by quitting his job he would no longer have insurance for the treatment required for my blood to clot. He prayed, quit his job and the Lord healed me.

 

[Nurbz]

I don't believe in them.

God promised no divine interjection on his part after the flood and give us complete free will. This means he would no longer directly destroy cities or kill people for their sins, but it also means he would no longer directly assist people either.

What happens to us is the result of choices that we and others make, and any involvement on God's part, which miracles are, would be breaking his promise and robbing us of free will. We have the freedom to be as good or as bad as we wish to ourselves and to others and benefit or suffer from the consequences of our decisions.

I was healthier than anyone I knew, doctors were pleased with me, but then I got cancer. From either what I ate, genetics, luck of the draw, or a combination of them and other things. I also got a tumor over half a foot long in my chest that decided to show itself by pressing on my heart and put me near death in a matter of a couple weeks. I would have died in a few more days without treatment that shrunk the tumor. I am extremely fortunate to have some of the best doctors in the area working with me, but no amount of praying I did would have saved my life without the actions of others giving treatment. I'm not diminishing or speaking against God, but he didn't shrink the tumor; the gift of free will allowed my parents' to make the choices to have me at the time they did, and where they decided to live resulted in the quick and amazing care that are what shrunk the tumor, along with my pre-existing heath and young age. I would have died of complications if I were older. It may sound like I'm saying horrible things, but I've accepted the reality of existance on earth. We are responsible for ourselves and others while mortal. It's both a gift and a burden.

Because think about it; if God went around directly healing humans or getting involved in our actions, he makes himself responsible for what happens to us, and that means it would be cruel to heal one person's sickness, but let another suffer and die from thiers. With free will, we suffer from choices we or other people make, God offers his understanding and support, which I need while still suffering from my cancer, but that is all he can do in order to maintain his promise. I don't really believe in "tests of faith" either because of this, since it would be like beating your dog to make sure he loves you.

 

[JerryChristian]

I don't believe in them.

God promised no divine interjection on his part after the flood and give us complete free will. This means he would no longer directly destroy cities or kill people for their sins, but it also means he would no longer directly assist people either.

What happens to us is the result of choices that we and others make, and any involvement on God's part, which miracles are, would be breaking his promise and robbing us of free will. We have the freedom to be as good or as bad as we wish to ourselves and to others and benefit or suffer from the consequences of our decisions.

I was healthier than anyone I knew, doctors were pleased with me, but then I got cancer. From either what I ate, genetics, luck of the draw, or a combination of them and other things. I also got a tumor over half a foot long in my chest that decided to show itself by pressing on my heart and put me near death in a matter of a couple weeks. I would have died in a few more days without treatment that shrunk the tumor. I am extremely fortunate to have some of the best doctors in the area working with me, but no amount of praying I did would have saved my life without the actions of others giving treatment. I'm not diminishing or speaking against God, but he didn't shrink the tumor; the gift of free will allowed my parents' to make the choices to have me at the time they did, and where they decided to live resulted in the quick and amazing care that are what shrunk the tumor, along with my pre-existing heath and young age. I would have died of complications if I were older. It may sound like I'm saying horrible things, but I've accepted the reality of existance on earth. We are responsible for ourselves and others while mortal. It's both a gift and a burden.

Because think about it; if God went around directly healing humans or getting involved in our actions, he makes himself responsible for what happens to us, and that means it would be cruel to heal one person's sickness, but let another suffer and die from thiers. With free will, we suffer from choices we or other people make, God offers his understanding and support, which I need while still suffering from my cancer, but that is all he can do in order to maintain his promise. I don't really believe in "tests of faith" either because of this, since it would be like beating your dog to make sure he loves you.

Your conclusion carries no weight! Many miracles were performed after the flood, and God intervened in many lives after that. You've got to do better than that. Paul performed miracles, Peter performed miracles, and Jesus performer miracles. Why would God say one thing and violate that?

Having a free will also means that we can invite God to work on our behalf, or reject His help. It does not mean that God totally ignores his people. Otherwise why pray at all? Now, why would God heal you, if you didn't pray and ask Him? Also, God works through faith. Where was your faith that God not only could but would heal you?

I was diagnosed with cancer in 1975. My entire lungs were involved. I went to prayer believing God not only could, but would heal me. I went back for x-rays every month with absolutely no treatment. Each month the area got smaller and smaller until it totally disappeared. I had a biopsy done and it showed no cancer. The doctor was still unsatisfied and stated I had another deadly disease called Sarcoidosis. I refused to accept it. 34 years later, and I have no sign of either disease. I prayed for a man in Mexico who was legally blind. He was tested with the newest and best equipment available. After prayer, he was re-tested and could read 20/20 with both eyes.

Now, having said all of that, I do not know what the requirements are to receive a miracle. I have prayed for some who not only do not receive a miracle, but also go unhealed. I prayed and asked God about that and this is the conclusion I reached. My job as a Christian is to pray for them, the rest is up to God. And I firmly believe it is because then no man can glory in it. I have never healed anyone, and I can perform no miracles, only God can do that. I would add that doctors can heal no one. All they can do is to remove things that prevent the body from healing itself. But, God can do that also and much more! I do not have any problems with people going to doctors. I do myself. The doctors and God have one thing in common, they want to see you well! So, in that regard, God is pleased with doctors and we should be also. However, that does not mean that God does not perform miracles today!

 

[JerryChristian]

The Lord healed me of hemophilia when I was a kid. My dad felt to minister full time and by quitting his job he would no longer have insurance for the treatment required for my blood to clot. He prayed, quit his job and the Lord healed me.

People like yourself can quote incident after incident of miracles, yet many still will not believe. They can't explain it so they think we are not telling them the truth. God performs millions of miracles, yet they walk around in unbelief. They don't believe in miracles so God doesn't give them one. I know many who say that miracles ceased after the prophets, and they have never witnessed one. Why? because God only works through faith.

Doesn't the Bible say that God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. If that is true then how can we discount God's abilities, or willingness to work on behalf of those He loves.

If a father had it in his power to heal his child, or to perform a miracle that his child was in need of, but refused to do so, is that the kind of Father you want? God only placed one condition that I am aware of, Faith!

I do not know the answer to why God heals some and not others. But, that is not my problem. I am required to pray. The rest is up to God! Obviously I can heal no one nor perform a miracle. So, how could I take credit for it? I can't only God can do those things. So all of the glory goes to God, just as it should!

 

[savedtoserve]

People like yourself can quote incident after incident of miracles, yet many still will not believe. They can't explain it so they think we are not telling them the truth. God performs millions of miracles, yet they walk around in unbelief. They don't believe in miracles so God doesn't give them one. I know many who say that miracles ceased after the prophets, and they have never witnessed one. Why? because God only works through faith.

Doesn't the Bible say that God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. If that is true then how can we discount God's abilities, or willingness to work on behalf of those He loves.

If a father had it in his power to heal his child, or to perform a miracle that his child was in need of, but refused to do so, is that the kind of Father you want? God only placed one condition that I am aware of, Faith!

I do not know the answer to why God heals some and not others. But, that is not my problem. I am required to pray. The rest is up to God! Obviously I can heal no one nor perform a miracle. So, how could I take credit for it? I can't only God can do those things. So all of the glory goes to God, just as it should!

AMEN Brother, I also can tell as many could of the healing that God has done to others but you are correct FAITH is the answer, we can share how God has touched our lives to all how will listen, and we are told to do so in the Bible, but as we do this we also have to pray the Holy Spirit to open the heart of those how read or listen that may by FAITH understand and want to seek for themselves.

God sews the seed
we water it with prayer
God reaps the harvest.
Glory to the Heavenly Father always and for ever.

 

[Mrs Butterworth]

Nurbz
Your lats post very kindly deals with the rather difficult question of why God allows Bad things to happen to good people. Versions of your belief have been around for many centuries, perhaps longer as I recall. The problem is that your theory does not encompass all the evidence. Even if you were to take out sll the evidence found in the Bible you would still have the evidence of modern healings. Furthermore, and more importantly, there are the testimonies of every born again believer that God really does (thankfully) interject divinely in our lives. Though your theory is very tidy, the difficult questions in Christianity cannot be so easily reasoned away.

 

[Nurbz]

Your conclusion carries no weight! Many miracles were performed after the flood, and God intervened in many lives after that. You've got to do better than that. Paul performed miracles, Peter performed miracles, and Jesus performer miracles. Why would God say one thing and violate that?

Having a free will also means that we can invite God to work on our behalf, or reject His help. It does not mean that God totally ignores his people. Otherwise why pray at all? Now, why would God heal you, if you didn't pray and ask Him? Also, God works through faith. Where was your faith that God not only could but would heal you?

I was diagnosed with cancer in 1975. My entire lungs were involved. I went to prayer believing God not only could, but would heal me. I went back for x-rays every month with absolutely no treatment. Each month the area got smaller and smaller until it totally disappeared. I had a biopsy done and it showed no cancer. The doctor was still unsatisfied and stated I had another deadly disease called Sarcoidosis. I refused to accept it. 34 years later, and I have no sign of either disease. I prayed for a man in Mexico who was legally blind. He was tested with the newest and best equipment available. After prayer, he was re-tested and could read 20/20 with both eyes.

Now, having said all of that, I do not know what the requirements are to receive a miracle. I have prayed for some who not only do not receive a miracle, but also go unhealed. I prayed and asked God about that and this is the conclusion I reached. My job as a Christian is to pray for them, the rest is up to God. And I firmly believe it is because then no man can glory in it. I have never healed anyone, and I can perform no miracles, only God can do that. I would add that doctors can heal no one. All they can do is to remove things that prevent the body from healing itself. But, God can do that also and much more! I do not have any problems with people going to doctors. I do myself. The doctors and God have one thing in common, they want to see you well! So, in that regard, God is pleased with doctors and we should be also. However, that does not mean that God does not perform miracles today!

I would say you were fortunate enoughto have your body eliminate that cancer with its immune system, and saying doctors can only remove is an insult to the work they have done for me. Besides, non-Christians have these amazing recovery stories as well. I was diagnosed at an advanced stage non hodgekins lymphoma because it also put tumors in my intestines, I would have died in days. I'm not doubting you, but what cancer did you have and what stage?

I also go back to my statement about God healing one but not another, which you are questioning the workings of yourself; I would be very angry if that were the case because not only am I having to wonder what -I- didn't do right in order not to deserve to be healed while he gives health and money to other people, but there's also the Christians in Africa who are some of the most devout people I've met, and yet they suffer horrible famine and atrocities. I can accept the fact they suffer like anyone else because of the choices made by bad people, but if God is stepping in for someone with a bad tooth, why not stop the genocide? He couldn't be that cruel, so therefore, I believe in the complete free will he's given us and the inheirent we possess that make them suffer through the bad choices of other people.

Besides, it seems that "God did it" when someone can't explain a good thing that's happend, but "God didn't do it, but it's his will" when it's something bad seems like a cop-out. I don't believe God's help is some test that we don't know the rules of.

Nurbz
Your lats post very kindly deals with the rather difficult question of why God allows Bad things to happen to good people. Versions of your belief have been around for many centuries, perhaps longer as I recall. The problem is that your theory does not encompass all the evidence. Even if you were to take out sll the evidence found in the Bible you would still have the evidence of modern healings. Furthermore, and more importantly, there are the testimonies of every born again believer that God really does (thankfully) interject divinely in our lives. Though your theory is very tidy, the difficult questions in Christianity cannot be so easily reasoned away.

he he, yes, I kinda realized that as I was typing, but I talk about my position further it in my words above. He lets bad things happen to good people because we are free to be as good or bad as we want. He won't stop a mugger because that would take away his free will, and good people suffer from bad choices people make. Any other explination seems to get really complicated with a lot of "I don't knows" and "God's will" to fill in the holes

 

[DavidPresently]

I would say you were fortunate enoughto have your body eliminate that cancer with its immune system, and saying doctors can only remove is an insult to the work they have done for me. Besides, non-Christians have these amazing recovery stories as well. I was diagnosed at an advanced stage non hodgekins lymphoma because it also put tumors in my intestines, I would have died in days. I'm not doubting you, but what cancer did you have and what stage?

I also go back to my statement about God healing one but not another, which you are questioning the workings of yourself; I would be very angry if that were the case because not only am I having to wonder what -I- didn't do right in order not to deserve to be healed while he gives health and money to other people, but there's also the Christians in Africa who are some of the most devout people I've met, and yet they suffer horrible famine and atrocities. I can accept the fact they suffer like anyone else because of the choices made by bad people, but if God is stepping in for someone with a bad tooth, why not stop the genocide? He couldn't be that cruel, so therefore, I believe in the complete free will he's given us and the inheirent we possess that make them suffer through the bad choices of other people.

Besides, it seems that "God did it" when someone can't explain a good thing that's happend, but "God didn't do it, but it's his will" when it's something bad seems like a cop-out. I don't believe God's help is some test that we don't know the rules of.


he he, yes, I kinda realized that as I was typing, but I talk about my position further it in my words above. He lets bad things happen to good people because we are free to be as good or bad as we want. He won't stop a mugger because that would take away his free will, and good people suffer from bad choices people make. Any other explination seems to get really complicated with a lot of "I don't knows" and "God's will" to fill in the holes

I greatly feel for you, Nurbz, and have prayed for you. I hate to hear of suffering, whether you or the people in Africa, the guy down the street, or one of my own family or myself. Your belief on this is not biblical.

Your idea that God heals one and not the other is not biblical either. Scripture says, "by whose stripes ye WERE healed." Furthermore, it calls sickness oppression of the devil, telling us who attacks us. It is not God who is making you sick and healing someone else, so if those people are miraculously healed and not you, you don't need to get mad at God. You need to realize who the enemy of your faith is.

Those with the biggest problems have the biggest potential to glorify God if they push through to their miracle. Giving up is never the answer. Not believing God has made provision for us is also not the right answer. If you don't believe he has made healing available, and given you every weapon in Christ you need to overcome the oppression of the devil, you won't fight until you get victory.

What about those who do fight and still something takes them out and they bodily die? For a Christian that is not the end, but another beginning within the Life Christ gives. It is not something to be afraid of for those with true faith. Regardless, a Christian is to fight the fight of faith as Paul said. Fight, not sit around waiting for God to do something, or sit around thinking he never will do anything for us or others. That is called unbelief and is one thing in Scripture that God really hates. Unbelief is so horrible because it in affect says, "I don't trust God, and I don't believe what he has said through his Word."

For example, when he told Israel to go in and take the land of Canaan and they saw the giants and said, "Nope, we can't," but God had already said he'd be with them and give them all they needed for victory. They refused to even try because of unbelief. Thus, that whole generation of unbelievers died in the wilderness, not because that was God's best intentions for them, but because they failed to follow his Word by faith.

Here are some verses that show what your understanding is missing, in that we have an enemy who seeks our destruction. He is who we should get upset with and fight against, with faith in the Word of God and every weapon of spiritual warfare God has given us.

Heb 2:14-15 KJVR Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (15) And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

1Pe 5:6-11 MKJV Therefore be humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, (7) casting all your anxiety onto Him, for He cares for you. (8) Be sensible and vigilant, because your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour; (9) whom firmly resist in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions in the world are being completed in your brotherhood. (10) But the God of all grace, He calling us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (11) To Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen.

Joh 10:10 MKJV The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

1Pe 2:24-25 MKJV He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that dying to sins, we might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. (25) For you were as sheep going astray, but now you are turned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

God has already made your provision ready, but you have an enemy trying to keep you from faith, as it is impossible to please God without faith, as Hebrews 11:6 states. The enemy knows that and is fighting you first and foremost in your mind to get your thinking all wrong, so you don't have faith to fight against him. He uses attacks on your body and circumstances to solidify the unbelief suggestions he puts in your mind to tempt you against faith in God's Word. So far, it is working. My prayer is not only that you be physically healed, but get victory in your mind and feed on the Word in Scripture concerning healing and spiritual warfare, until you are victorious and have an amazing testimony to share with others to help their faith in the Word.

I've been healed instantly without any effort before, and a few times I've been healed after much fighting through claiming what Scripture says over my body and praying through until I was healed. I've also laid hands on many who were instantly healed.

I'm not downplaying what you are going through. I also am not downplaying the work the doctors have done to help you, and we should be thankful that God made man a creative being in his image with intelligence to be able to study creation and improve technology and come up with such things to help the sick. I'm simply encouraging you to believe, and to fight the good fight of faith, until the bodily death. Think of this age as boot camp for the believer, to determine reward and rank in the Army of God to rule with Christ over creation in the age to come. Those who exercise their faith and gain victories now will be those given more responsibility and reward later.

Mat 25:19-29 MKJV After a long time the lord of those servants came and took account with them. (20) And so he who had received five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered five talents to me. Behold, I have gained five talents above them. (21) His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. (22) He also who had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold, I have gained two other talents above them. (23) His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. (24) And he who had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. (25) And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the earth. Lo, you have yours. (26) His lord answered and said to him, Evil and slothful servant! You knew that I reaped where I did not sow, and gathered where I did not scatter, (27) then you should have put my money to the exchangers, and coming I would have received my own with interest. (28) Therefore take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents. (29) For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will abound. But from him who has not, even that which he has shall be taken away from him.

2Ti 4:7 MKJV I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

Paul who wrote that last quote had been through great suffering for the name of Christ, yet he could say he kept fighting, finished the course, and kept the faith, without giving up. That is the point. If you could only see the reward on the other side, you'd see how worth the fight it is. But, your philosophy of passivity so that you sit around and don't fight by faith is meaning you are not using what you've been given, as every man has been given the measure of faith. You read above what Jesus said about the one who doesn't increase the measure he was given, but buries it in the ground instead.

Rom 12:3 ASV For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.

Quit believing the suggestions of the devil who oppresses you! Wake up, dig up your talent of faith, and use it. Use it whether you win each fight or not. But by exercising your faith, over time you will begin to win many battles and gain much glory.

May you find much blessing in faith in the Word of God, and healing that glorifies God!

Joh 9:2-3 MKJV And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? (3) Jesus answered, Neither has this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God might be revealed in him.

 

[DavidPresently]

he he, yes, I kinda realized that as I was typing, but I talk about my position further it in my words above. He lets bad things happen to good people because we are free to be as good or bad as we want. He won't stop a mugger because that would take away his free will, and good people suffer from bad choices people make. Any other explination seems to get really complicated with a lot of "I don't knows" and "God's will" to fill in the holes

Yes, he gives us the will to choose. That is why he requires we CHOOSE faith in his Word and he doesn't force it on us. He doesn't make us believe him for healing and receive it. He gives us the choice. That choice is there, and you are choosing the other way, to not believe in God healing.

There are also many accounts in Scripture as well as testimonies of believers today that the free will of others was not allowed to greatly harm them because they had faith in the protection of God. I personally was held at gun point by a gang when I was younger, by myself, in a dark place where no witnesses and no police were around. I should have been shot, especially because the guys were not finding what they were looking for and were getting more and more angry. Just when I thought one of them was going to pull a trigger, an invisible presence showed up that made the hairs on my neck stand up and fear began to spread through the group. One said, "Something's not right, man, something's not right, let's get outta here!" They took off running and I was left to get my shoes back on and get the stuff they through out of my car back in it and drive off, alive and safe.

I've had the Holy Spirit warn me inside many times of danger ahead, that when heeded kept me from harm, and when I shrugged it off it led to a problem that could have been avoided.

So, though each person can choose and sometimes that means that one person will be allowed to harm another, it is not always the case. If we are walking in faith like Israel was supposed to do to get victory over the Canaanites, we will have supernatural lives in which nothing can keep us from our destiny in Christ, to fulfill in this age. However, if we walk around in the wilderness in unbelief like Israel did with Moses, we will die there without ever entering the land of promises, the great and wonderful promises God has given us.

It is your choice. You can choose to stay in the wilderness not believing God's Word to go forward and fight by faith, and that as you do he will give you victories and teach you his ways, or you can go in and fight for the land of promises like God commands his people to do. You are going to die bodily one day, but the way in which you fight or don't fight by faith now will determine the reward you'll have forever.

I choose to fight against the giants and go on in to the land of promise, rather than waste away in the wilderness and die there without experiencing God's promises in my life.

I'm attempting to encourage you in love, because I care. If you choose to disagree, just know I'm trying to help you, and I'm not your enemy or against you.

May you be blessed in Christ!

 

[JerryChristian]

I would say you were fortunate enoughto have your body eliminate that cancer with its immune system, and saying doctors can only remove is an insult to the work they have done for me. Besides, non-Christians have these amazing recovery stories as well. I was diagnosed at an advanced stage non hodgekins lymphoma because it also put tumors in my intestines, I would have died in days. I'm not doubting you, but what cancer did you have and what stage?

I also go back to my statement about God healing one but not another, which you are questioning the workings of yourself; I would be very angry if that were the case because not only am I having to wonder what -I- didn't do right in order not to deserve to be healed while he gives health and money to other people, but there's also the Christians in Africa who are some of the most devout people I've met, and yet they suffer horrible famine and atrocities. I can accept the fact they suffer like anyone else because of the choices made by bad people, but if God is stepping in for someone with a bad tooth, why not stop the genocide? He couldn't be that cruel, so therefore, I believe in the complete free will he's given us and the inheirent we possess that make them suffer through the bad choices of other people.

Besides, it seems that "God did it" when someone can't explain a good thing that's happend, but "God didn't do it, but it's his will" when it's something bad seems like a cop-out. I don't believe God's help is some test that we don't know the rules of.


he he, yes, I kinda realized that as I was typing, but I talk about my position further it in my words above. He lets bad things happen to good people because we are free to be as good or bad as we want. He won't stop a mugger because that would take away his free will, and good people suffer from bad choices people make. Any other explination seems to get really complicated with a lot of "I don't knows" and "God's will" to fill in the holes

God also has a free will. Just because He could do something does not mean He will! I do not propose to speak for God. If you read the Bible, God has allowed famines, pestilence, plagues, etc. And for people to say that if God did it for you and not for me means God is cruel to me, is baseless since we cannot presume to know why God does ceratin things unless He tells us. That is God's sovereignty. If God chose to heal your body, I can't complain because He didn't heal mine. He is the potter, I am the clay. Because He is my Creator He can do anything He wants with me. If it weren't for bad people we would not know what it is like to be good. If it weren't for sickness we would not know what it is like to be well. If it weren't for death, we would not know the joy of living. For every good thing, there is an opposite bad. I believe God allows us to experience both so that we can appreciate the good when it comes.

And you are correct. We often wish to attribute all of the good things to God and the not so good to the devil, ourselves, etc. But, in human understanding God allows bad things to happen. That doesn't mean He is guilty of cayusing those things to happen. But He may allow them. His purpose for that is what you seem to be questioning.

Let me say this. I have been in the same situation myself as you state in your post. I have learned to accept the fact that I am not repsonsible for every bad thing that happens in my life. It is not because I lacked faith, I became sick. There are so many things in my life I have no control over. I've been fired from work, while doing an excellent job. I became sick, when I desired to be well. I have sinned when I desired to do good. Etc. etc. etc.

Here is my advice to you. If you pray and a person gets well, do you take the credit? Of course not, because you can heal no one. So if you pray and a person does not get well, do you take the blame? You shouldn't because it was not your responsibility, it was God's.

Far too often we as Christians blame the person for lack of faith, when in fact it may be that God has another purpose for not healing someone. That is why God is sovereign. Now, I understand that you may not like some of the decisions God has made. That is because we do not always understand the outcome. I prayed and asked God why my Father-in law passed away from cancer? I believe I heard from God, when he said, I took him while his faith was strong! What if my Father-in-laws faith became weak later and he had turned his back on God? Now, from that conclusion was God merciful? If my Father-in-law is in heaven today, isn't that better than being any place else?

But, to question your Creator is to make Him accountable to you. God is not and will never be accountable to man, we will always be accountable to Him.

I will not pretend to know the mind of God concerning the circumstances of the world. But, I believe with all of my heart that God is involved as He has been from the very beginning. The Bible states He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. If things have changed it's not God who has changed.

One must somehow find peace in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, just as Paul spoke about.

I was cast into jail for 8 days, because of false charges. I prayed, and was extremely emotional due to the injustice. But, once I calmed myself, I said, "Well, God if I must be here, then I desire to win one soul for you for every day I spend in jail." In 8 days, God allowed me to win 8 souls for His kingdom. Would those 8 souls have found the Lord, if I had not been placed in jail? I don't know, maybe God would have sent someone else. But, I was allowed to become a part of God's plan of salvation for those men. I just made myself available to God to use me in whatever way He wished. Through my cancer and sarcoidosis, I have been able to relate to the fear caused by dreaded diseases, and have been able to share tose feelings with others facing the same thing. I have been able to minister to the sick much more effectively and to give them hope. If I can be healed, maybe you can also.

God Bless, and do not be discouraged by what you see in the world. God is still in control. He never relinquished His authority! You have to learn to trust His judgements, because they are so much higher than ours.

 

[Mathetes the kerux]

Does God still perform miracles today? What say you?

Absolutely . . . from the greatest miracle, that of regeneration of a sinner transformed into a saint . . . to that of the more "visual" like the raising of the dead and healing.

 

[RedPhoenix]

Again, I must caution, that not every so-called miracle is from God! You must be cautious not to make the leap from a bonafide miracle to mysticism. Some of what you have shown here are mere interpretation, that these are miracles. Your interpretation could be faulty! I have seen many photos of what people claim to be miracles, when in fact they are not and can easily be explained by normal events taking place. What is your definition of a miracle?

I would say that a miracle would be a work of God. That being said, there are a multitude of miracles that happen in the world. Perhaps the first two videos were not miracles. However, the last, the Holy Fire, is one that happens once a year on Pascha (Easter). The Holy Spirit descends from the ceiling of the Holy Sepulchre, lights the patriarchs candles, and he then proceeds to come out of the Holy Sepulchre and light the candles of those around him. However, for some people, their candles burst into flames, by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you don't believe me, you can go there yourself and see. Anyone can go.

As a side note, the Holy Fire does not burn the faithful. The most well known story is that a muslim tried to put the fire in his face after seeing a Christian do the same and not be burned. The muslim was instantly burned. Interesting to note.

 

[[serious]]

My understanding is the rate of unexplained spontaneous remission is the same across all faiths and has shown no discernible response to prayer drives.

I do believe miracles occur today, but I feel we do a disservice to ourselves and to God by being so credulous with every claim of the miraculous.

 

[Stephen Kendall]

Does God still perform miracles today? What say you?

Our impressive miracle is the change of a human heart from lost to found. We mustn't forget that. Found is to hear Jesus and to follow him (and no one else, even if someone should claim that we should follow them by their lawyering with God's word). The miracle is our sight to see Jesus and follow him alone. We are of Jesus, not of Paul, Apollos or Peter. The miracle of sight, to see God through Christ is truly note-worthy.

I have had a variety of miracles (some of God and some just supernatural). They are beneficial, but I believed without them. I am concerned about many who don't believe, and may never, with them or without them.

Miracles occur mostly because of our faith in God and his purposes for us. A lot will happen in the end coming. Love to all.

 

[JerryChristian]

I would say that a miracle would be a work of God. That being said, there are a multitude of miracles that happen in the world. Perhaps the first two videos were not miracles. However, the last, the Holy Fire, is one that happens once a year on Pascha (Easter). The Holy Spirit descends from the ceiling of the Holy Sepulchre, lights the patriarchs candles, and he then proceeds to come out of the Holy Sepulchre and light the candles of those around him. However, for some people, their candles burst into flames, by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you don't believe me, you can go there yourself and see. Anyone can go.

As a side note, the Holy Fire does not burn the faithful. The most well known story is that a muslim tried to put the fire in his face after seeing a Christian do the same and not be burned. The muslim was instantly burned. Interesting to note.

I didn't say I didn't believe you. There are many things that happen, that I have not witnessed. So, I cannot judge what you are saying. But, I do believe that there are many things that transpire that have no foundation to be rated as miracles. People wish to believe in miracles so badly sometimes, that they will take almost anything as a miracle. For instance, someone looked at a tree in the cemetery of my hometown and determined that the tree portrayed Mary holding a lamb. I went to look for myself, and I could see somewhat in how they could make that conclusion, but in reality it was just a tree. One can see patterns of faces in floor tile, etc. But, is that a miracle? Oil stains on glass, or oil stains in concrete, etc. all appear to be mysticism. And at any rate, none of these objects are to be worshipped or prayed to. God is a jealous God, and He told us to make no graven images so why would He make them? So we must be careful what we term as a miracle, that's all I am saying.

Worship God, and you will always be safe. Worship anything else and you may be in danger. Remember angels and apostles would not allow any form of worship to them. All worship and glory needs to go to the Godhead alone.

 

[JerryChristian]

My understanding is the rate of unexplained spontaneous remission is the same across all faiths and has shown no discernible response to prayer drives.

I do believe miracles occur today, but I feel we do a disservice to ourselves and to God by being so credulous with every claim of the miraculous.

I agree totally. I think one may be better served if they would just ask themselves why the miracle occurred. If it causes worship of any other than Father God, the Holy Spirit, or Jesus, then it is mis-applied worship. Even angels refused worship. That is why I caution folks, just as you have God Bless!

 

[JerryChristian]

Our impressive miracle is the change of a human heart from lost to found. We mustn't forget that. Found is to hear Jesus and to follow him (and no one else, even if someone should claim that we should follow them by their lawyering with God's word). The miracle is our sight to see Jesus and follow him alone. We are of Jesus, not of Paul, Apollos or Peter. The miracle of sight, to see God through Christ is truly note-worthy.

I have had a variety of miracles (some of God and some just supernatural). They are beneficial, but I believed without them. I am concerned about many who don't believe, and may never, with them or without them.

Miracles occur mostly because of our faith in God and his purposes for us. A lot will happen in the end coming. Love to all.

It appears that your approach to this subject is well balanced. Thanks for your contribution.

 

[JerryChristian]

Absolutely . . . from the greatest miracle, that of regeneration of a sinner transformed into a saint . . . to that of the more "visual" like the raising of the dead and healing.

I agree with your post, but would like to ask you a follow up question. What is the difference in a healing through prayer, and a healing through a miracle?

 

[JerryChristian]

I agree with your post, but would like to ask you a follow up question. What is the difference in a healing through prayer, and a healing through a miracle?

I would add this question also. Does a healing through prayer constitute a miracle? What if the healing was instantaneous, and cannot be explained by medical science?