If you're anything like me, I have a deep desire to see miraculous things happen through my prayers. My wife just experienced this the other week at church. She saw someone sitting by herself before church started, went over to talk with her, and ended up praying for her cancer to be destroyed. The next week, the same woman came up to her and said, "I went back to the doctor and they cannot find any cancer in me!" When I hear the story afterward, my heart swelled up and I was overjoyed that God used Angela's prayer (and probably the prayers of others) to heal this woman instantly. When I think about what excites me about God, it is that he is active and powerful in our lives when we invite him in and build a relationship with him. Miracles are obvious, tangible examples of his interactions with us. But are all miracles only temporary benefits in this life without eternal purpose?

After a short trip where they preached the Gospel, Jesus' disciples came back rejoicing because they had seen miracles and cast demons out of people:

The seventy- two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" (Luke 10:17 ESV).

Jesus' response to their excitement is a priceless gem of perspective regarding miracles:

I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:18-20 ESV).

Jesus initially responds by highlighting the power that he has over Satan. He then says, "I have given you that power." But that's not where he lands. He uses the examples of miraculous power to highlight the miracle that trumps all other miracles: Salvation.

Miracles in Salvation

Jesus' plan all along was to die for us so that all of the evil we have done and ever will do could be placed on him and all of his goodness would transfer to our accounts. This seemingly ridiculous proposition is breathtaking. We can be eternally forgiven and seen as perfect in the eyes of God because of Jesus' sacrifice. When looked at in the full light of God, this miracle blows away all the others.

[bctt tweet="We ought to be infinitely more excited by the miracle of salvation than by supernatural power."]

Miracles are certainly important and God uses them to do amazing things in the hearts of people, but his primary goal is to bring us to salvation. The temporary blessings of physical health and financial wellbeing are beautiful, but if they do not involve salvation they act as a mere match in the middle of an eternal winter.

If you are not a Christian today, I would like to challenge you to take a step of faith and believe that Jesus can and will perform the miracle of salvation in your soul. If you are already a Christian, thank God for this wonderful, permeating miracle that has defined your life. Continue to pray for healing, deliverance and freedom for others, but above all, celebrate the miracle of salvation.

For an amazing book on miracles, consider reading Miracles by C. S. Lewis: Miracles