by Pastor Jana Cox

This last Sunday Pastor Doug shared a message on an unusual miracle. I thought that was an interesting title as I thought, aren’t all miracles unusual? No, they really weren’t when Jesus was around. Wherever Jesus was amazing and miraculous things happened.

Matthew 4:23-24 Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

As we look into this scripture we see the heart of God revealed through Jesus. He taught and proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom. Faith was built into the hearts of those that heard, and because of that, healing manifested to the people’s diseases and left their sick bodies. Many people who were afflicted and tormented and those who were demon-possessed, epileptic, and paralytic were healed.

When Jesus showed up the miraculous happened. The atmosphere was illuminated by His presence and His power was felt. When Jesus spoke to the multitudes their hearts were encouraged with faith. His words were powerful; they reached down into the depth of their hearts and faith was built into them. They responded to His words and when they did, miraculous things happened in their lives.

As we look into the unusual miracle this will take us to the book of Job. A quick review of this story reveals who Job was. He was a righteous, wealthy man. However, Satan was allowed to afflict him. Job was tested beyond belief. He was afflicted with boils and he lost his children and family. Yet, Job remained faithful to God even when his wife told him to curse God and die! Jobs’ friends came to encourage him but their encouragement actually blamed Job for what was going on in his life. They assumed his suffering was due to sin in his life.

What would we do if we found ourselves in Job’s position? Losing everything and then those around us tell us to give up on God because He has failed us. How would you respond?

I believe this is where the unusual miracle came into Job’s life. Job 42:10- And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friend. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. The Lord turned Job’s captivity into freedom and blessing. Job was restored.

So what can we learn from this?

Jesus hasn’t changed. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Following Jesus and getting into His presence will make a difference in our lives.

Let go of things that bind you. Like Job, as we forgive others we free ourselves from captivity. Because of that, the restoration will come to our lives. It may be in your mind or your body or elsewhere.

This week I encourage you to spend time in the presence of the Lord. Allow Him to speak to your heart and restore your soul.