When You Lose Sight of the God of Miracles, You Stop Experiencing the Miracles of God
Introduction
Today’s message is titled: “When You Lose Sight of the God of Miracles, You Stop Experiencing the Miracles of God.” This title is a reminder that miracles flow from a relationship with God, not from the circumstances of our lives. If we fixate on the troubles around us, it’s easy to miss God’s presence and His power at work.
This message has roots in a simple truth: miracles aren’t just random acts of power. They are God’s way of reminding us of who He is, His character, and His faithfulness. When we lose sight of the God who performs miracles, we often lose the ability to see and experience the miracles He is still doing.
Let’s begin by looking at a story that captures this truth well: Jesus and Peter walking on water.
1. Focusing on the God of Miracles
In Matthew 14:28-30 (NLT), we read this story of Peter:
“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.”
Here, Peter starts well; he steps out in faith, keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus. But the moment he notices the wind and waves, fear takes over. Peter’s focus shifted from Jesus, the source of the miracle, to the storms around him. As soon as he lost sight of the God of miracles, the miracle of walking on water ceased.
Like Peter, we’re called to keep our eyes on Jesus. When we shift our gaze to our problems, doubts creep in, and fear replaces faith. But if we stay focused on the God of miracles, He will keep us steady, even in the midst of the storm.
Imagine a tightrope walker with their eyes fixed forward. If they look down, fear grips them, and balance is lost. Likewise, our spiritual balance relies on looking toward Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Pastor Charles Stanley once said, “When God calls us to step out in faith, He also provides what we need to do it. It’s only when we allow fear and doubt to cloud our vision that we begin to stumble.”
2. Remembering the God of Past Miracles
In Exodus 14:21-22 (NLT), we read about one of the most famous miracles in the Bible:
“Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!”
This miracle occurred because the Israelites were focused on God’s deliverance, but it didn’t take long for them to forget. Just a few chapters later, in Exodus 16, they grumbled and doubted God’s provision. They lost sight of the God who had delivered them, and because of this, they stopped experiencing His miracles in the same way.
When we remember how God has been faithful in the past, our faith grows. Reflecting on His past miracles fuels our trust in Him for the future. If we forget, though, we’re quick to fall into doubt, robbing ourselves of the peace and trust that come from God.
Think of a photo album of memories. Each photo reminds us of cherished moments. Likewise, we need a spiritual “photo album” of God’s past miracles to remember His faithfulness.
Author and pastor A.W. Tozer said, “A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane things of life.” Remembering God’s miracles turns our focus back to His faithfulness.
3. Trusting the God of Miracles Even in the Waiting
In John 11, we encounter the story of Lazarus. When Lazarus became ill, his sisters called on Jesus to heal him. But Jesus delayed, and Lazarus died. Later, Jesus arrived and performed the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, but not in the timing or way Mary and Martha had expected.
John 11:21-22 (NLT) records Martha’s words to Jesus: “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”
Martha knew that Jesus was capable of miracles, but she struggled with understanding His timing. Jesus was teaching them to trust not just in His power to perform miracles but in His wisdom in choosing the best time and way to reveal His glory.
Sometimes we’re in seasons of waiting, where it feels like God is silent. During these times, it’s easy to lose sight of His power and goodness. But the God of miracles is at work, even when we can’t see Him. Trusting in His timing keeps us aligned with His purpose.
Imagine planting seeds in a garden. You don’t see growth overnight, but you know something is happening under the soil. In the same way, God is working even when we can’t see immediate results.
Pastor Tim Keller once said, “If we knew what God knows, we would ask for exactly what He gives.” Trusting in God’s timing means believing He knows what’s best.
4. Faith Activates the Miracles of God
In Mark 5:34 (NLT), after healing the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” Her faith activated the miracle. She didn’t just stand by; she reached out to Jesus, believing in His power.
This story illustrates that God honours faith. The Greek word for “faith” here is pistis, meaning a complete trust and assurance in God. It’s not merely acknowledging God’s power but actively trusting in His willingness to work.
Faith is the bridge between God’s promises and our experience of them. We need a bold, active faith that reaches out to God, trusting Him to work in ways we can’t imagine.
Faith is like a light switch. The power is already there, but it’s our action of flipping the switch that activates the light. God’s power is always available, but it’s faith that activates it in our lives.
Evangelist Smith Wigglesworth said, “Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.” Faith reaches for God, even when circumstances look impossible.
Conclusion: Renewing Our Focus on the God of Miracles
When we lose sight of the God of miracles, we lose sight of His ability to work in our lives. We’ve seen that by focusing on Him, remembering His past miracles, trusting Him in the waiting, and activating our faith, we open ourselves to experiencing His wonders afresh. God is not finished with us; His miraculous power is as active today as it was in biblical times.
Call to Action: Let’s commit to keeping our eyes on Jesus. Let’s be people who remember His faithfulness, trust in His timing, and activate our faith daily. When we align our hearts and minds with Him, we’re in a position to see miracles unfold.
Invitation to Faith: If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus, I invite you today to trust in the God of miracles. Jesus didn’t just perform miracles in the past; He wants to work in your life today. Will you open your heart to Him, trust Him with your life, and experience the transformation only He can bring?
