MIRACULOUS LIVING
Would it not be incredible if we could live our lives exceeding expectations? There are moments when man looks back and sees the miraculous output, but yearns for more of the same, which is elusive. Four principles of miraculous living can be gleaned from this interesting story from Matthew 14:25-33;
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake————“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”——-then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
- Miraculous living is emulating Jesus: Jesus was the highest form of a human life, because he was sinless. No other human or prophet or god can lay claim to that fact. Consequently his life was lived in the realm of the miraculous. In fact reading through the gospels, miraculous living appeared like second nature to him. There was never was a moment in his life, including his crucifixion, when he was not in control of himself, others around him and the environment he operated in. Jesus’ life tells us that miraculous living is certainly within reach. Peter recognized that and makes his request.
- God invites us to miraculous living: Now Jesus could have looked at Peter and said, “your request serves no purpose.” Instead, he says, “Come.” God wants man to live life in the realm of the miraculous, because it is a consequence of faith and so honors God. The focus of miraculous living is not necessarily the material benefit that one gains, rather the satisfaction of having lived life in sync with God and exercised faith to find an output that resonates with the will of God.
- Miraculous living requires faith: Faith begins with operating within the will of God. If miraculous living is finding resonance with God, it is inconceivable that one can find it outside the will of God. So it was as important for Jesus to invite Peter and approve his request, as was his desire to embrace the miraculous. Faith while budding within the will of God blooms within the unshakeable belief of the sufficiency of God despite adverse circumstances. This is where Peter faltered and had to be rescued by Christ.
- Miraculous living results in worship: The end chapter of this story is one where the disciples collectively worship Jesus. When the focus is lifted off the material things that are to be gained from miraculous living to the One who provides them and invites us to a life of faith, worship results. And when worship results, the very purpose of man’s existence here on earth comes to fruition.
