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By definition, a miracle is “an extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.” A miracle simply can’t be explained by humans using natural or scientific laws.
You’ve likely read or heard some of these well-known miracles in the Bible. Like when Jesus raised three people from the dead (Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, and the widow’s son at Nain) and when God Himself did the same once with the resurrections of His Son after a three-day burial in a tomb.
Our Western culture’s love affair with happily ever after endings delights in good, old-fashioned miracle stories.
I desperately wanted one when my 15-year-old son, Dalton, took his own life in May of 2020.
But my story didn’t include Dalton standing up to breathe, walk, smile, talk, hug, and laugh again.
It tragically ended with Dalton’s once strong, vibrant body being buried in a cold, lifeless grave.
And when he died, I died, too, instantly plunged into a silent, sealed emotional tomb.
Sorrow is suffocating. The cyclone of, Theres’ no way I’ll ever live again, spun in my mind for what seemed like an eternity. Do you know the feeling?
Frankly, I simply didn’t think I should have to continue living either after the horror I witnessed.
So why in the world am I writing about Jesus raising people from the dead when that is so far from my experience?
Because the resurrection that occurred wasn’t with Dalton. It’s happening inside of me.
I didn’t get the miracle I wanted.
I became the miracle God is using to show the world He can and does still revive dead souls.
It began with the only choice available. I kept breathing.
I kept seeking life-giving support from people around me.
I kept loving others with the love that was originally earmarked for Dalton.
I kept begging God to use my pain.
I kept saying yes when God placed a task before me.
I kept lamenting when nothing made sense.
I kept taking refuge in His love (Psalm 46:1).
And then I heard….
Look, I do still raise people from the dead. You may not see it but that’s exactly what I’m doing with you.
The world looked at a shattered mom like me, profoundly traumatized after finding her son’s lifeless body lying on the floor in a pool of blood and said, She’ll never be the same. She’s damaged for life.
But God said, You’re right. It’s impossible for her to be the same person she was while Dalton was alive. But, watch. I’m going to do a new work in her. A work to heal, restore, and redeem the pain. One that strengthens and equips her to tell how my grace has been sufficient for her to keep living in spite of the pain. The miracle that can only be explained by a supernatural cause.
As Jeremy Camp sings, “The same power that rose Jesus from the dead” equals the same power that is emotionally resurrecting me from that dreadful tomb that swallowed me up on May 14, 20220. (Important note: My resurrection won’t be complete until I finish my earthly race, and yours won’t either.)
Resurrections of Jesus’ day were in poof. Today, they’re more commonly a result of process.
I wonder if you’re feeling emotionally lifeless in the face of grief, loss, trauma, or some other overwhelming situation?
Are you praying and waiting for God to perform a miracle but afraid He can’t? Or worse yet that He won’t?
Take heart in this essential truth: God is the Author of Life, not death (Hebrews 2:14-15). He is your Refuge, Comforter, Healer, Restorer, and Redeemer.
God overcame death through a sinless person named Jesus Christ.
Like me, you may not get the miracle you so desperately want. And if not, you, too, can become the miracle God wants to use to show the world His light, love, and hope.
There will still be heartache.
Confusion.
Overwhelming emotions.
Wrestling.
Doubts.
Frustration.
Questions.
Uncertainty.
Waiting.
Living again doesn’t mean freedom from distress.
But living again does involve purpose and meaning.
Hope.
Healing–not necessarily cured, but a path to coping and support.
Restoration.
Redemption of the pain–not to be confused with reconciliation which will take place in heaven.
And love. Lots and lots of love from your Heavenly Father who wants to drench you in His perfect, abundant grace.
So, does God still raise people from the dead?
Absolutely.
I know because I’m one of them.
And you can be, too.
HELPFUL VERSES
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” -Romans 8:11
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” -2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” -Genesis 50:20
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” -Psalm 46:1
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” -Isaiah 43:2
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” -1Corinthians 15:54-57
“….for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” -1 John 5:4
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” -Micah 7:8
