Signs and Wonders

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

Acts 19:11-12

I believe there are no coincidences when it comes to God. We may not know exactly what he's doing at the time (and we may never know), but he knows at all times. Sometimes God will use us to further the gospel in very natural ways. But sometimes he uses us in supernatural ways - even at work.

I remember one co-worker, a middle-aged Jewish woman, who claimed to be an atheist. Beth (not her real name) didn't go to temple or observe the Jewish holidays and customs my other Jewish friends diligently kept.

Beth had a daughter who was in college in Boston at the time. One Tuesday she told me that her daughter, who was only about nineteen, had a cyst on her neck that kept growing, and the doctors thought it might be a malignant tumor.

They planned to remove it to the next day to test it, so Beth planned to take the train to Boston to be with her daughter during the surgery.

There was worry and pain in Beth's voice as she told me the story. I tried to console her by telling her that her daughter would be fine; she just had to believe. Beth knew I was a born-again Christian and my positive outlook was part of the faith I re[resented, so she only smiled and said "Okay, Carol, if you say so."

My church always had Tuesday night Bible study and began with prayer. That night, I told the church members about my friend's daughter. We asked for complete healing for her and that no tumor would be found. We all agreed in prayer and then continued with our Bible study.

The next day at the office, Beth walked in with a shocked look on her face.

"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be in Boston," I said.

She paused for a second, then said, "The doctor called me late last night and said not to come. He could not find any lump on my daughter's neck. It's gone! So there will be no operation."

Well, I couldn't contain myself, I shouted, "Hallelujah! Glory to God! I knew that God had heard our prayers and answered them. My colleagues didn't know, but I did. My boss said, "Oh, Carol, it sounds like church in here," turned up her nose, and left in a huff. But that day, I knew my God had come through! And if she wanted to insult me for rejoicing in that miracle, so be it. I would take one for the team - God's team.

To me, it was no coincidence that God would heal the daughter of this woman - this atheist. And it was no coincidence that Beth shared with me - a believer - her family's dilemma. God knew I'd pray and ask others to pray as well. That prayer was the best way I could minister.

God is interested in using you as well.

POWER MOVE

God will use you if you ask him to. It may be something small, such as getting a person to think more about spiritual things or beginning to read the Bible again. Or it may be something larger, such as leading someone to Christ (the biggest miracle of all!) or seeing a healing. Whether it's big or small, God wants you to play, know that it is important. Be ready, be willing, and be available.

MY CONFESSION

I believe in miracles for my life and other's lives. I will be receptive to the Holy Spirit and allow God to use me as a vessel.