So, this thought came from a conversation with someone who had her fervent prayers answered - INSERT PRAISE BREAK - and now she was having to endure some unwanted situations and problems within this miraculous stage of life. I commented, "the storms in the miracle." She shook her head and we both agreed it happens.
I've been thinking more about that conversation and recently noticed some storms within my own miracles.
We may enjoy the miracle but must definitely endure the storms; and honestly, when they come as a result of a miracle it seems kind of bewildering to me. We've prayed and prayed, and waited upon the Lord for His promised miracle to come to pass; then when it came to fruition, it brought with it stormy situations too.
I've known of answered prayers for scattered families to come together, only for it to cause extra chaos on the one who prayed earnestly for it. I've seen God perform miracles of putting marriages back together again, then another storm arise. I think of instances in the Bible where miracles happened. What about Hannah who prayed desperately for a child? God granted the request, she nurtured him until he was weaned, then sent him away to live with the man of God. How difficult was that storm? I know she vowed that to the Lord in the beginning, but as a mom, I can only imagine how hard that was. The miracle made storms of it's own. What about God Himself coming to earth as a babe; that was a miracle - Jesus, God in flesh. The miracle didn't happen without King Herod wanting Him killed so Mary and Joseph had to adjust their plans. Storms in the miracle.
Have you ever thought about it? If God performed the miraculous for me, why am I in the storm of my life? I'll admit, I've asked that question.
Even now, as I have entered a new season, I find myself facing obstacles and storms for which I wasn't prepared. Aren't miracles supposed to be the answer to the problem? Not the cause of more of them? Yes, in our humanity that's often how we register it all. I'm guilty!
The truth I've come to realize is that God's miracles are followed by times of testing. We could call it Part 2. These tests often seem like storms to our natural eyes. He did perform that miracle we prayed for! Yet, if He answered our prayers and we never had to struggle through another storm, would we ever turn back to Him for help? Think about the children of Israel in the desert. Perfect example. The miracle brings relief, PART 1, and the tests brings clarity of vision and growth, PART 2. Storms.
I've seen it time and time again where God heals someone's body, only for them to take their miracle and walk away from Him. I've seen God miraculously save someone from a near fatal accident, only for them to fully recover and walk away.
So, just maybe the storms are for our good. Who would have "thunk" of that?! Today, I recall the Bible saying God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) The miracle is truly that, a mighty, supernatural act of God. The storm is also an act of God...to keep us looking to Him. At least that is my observation and thinking.
My husband recently got a new job with quite a pay raise which was a promise of God fulfilled in our life. I can't say that some days it still feels like a miracle though; it's been one problem and adjustment after another. Even today, there have been problems; and if I'm honest, I was hoping for a storm-free week for a change. We're tired, frustrated and wondering if it was worth it!
God's ways though...He's doing something. I must remember that!
I'm doing my best to realize that each storm is only an actuator to move us into position to where God can continue to develop us, and possibly fulfill our next miracle. I recall a stormy season in life when my pastor's wife reminded me, "This isn't meant to hurt you, it's meant to grow you." Yes, it's easier said that dealt with, but it is the truth.
The storms of life bring us closer to God than the miracle does.
The storm gives us perseverance, the miracle gives us ease. The storm makes us dig out a place to pray, while the miracle lifts us up and makes us want to testify. I'd say the storm has just as much purpose and value as the miracle - both are necessary. The storm is not a punishment, but further training in our trust and faith in God. What a relief to look at it that way.
Enjoy the miracle. PART 1. Endure the storm. PART 2.
BOTH are God designed to help produce abundance in our spiritual lives. Don't expect a miracle without a storm; go ahead and expect it as Part 2 of God's plan for this season of life. It's a necessary cycle and isn't meant to take us out. As long as we continue to accept both parts, we'll come forth like gold and live victoriously in the Lord.
Just a word of encouragement for all of us today who are waiting on miracles or enduring the storms after one. Can we accept one from God without the other? Let's be as faithful to Him as He is to us. This too shall pass - in God's time. Get ready for your NEXT miracle during this storm.
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