It takes faith to believe a miracle

Many times I have had people say to me, “I would believe in Jesus if He would perform a miracle right in front of me.” In my reading today I was reminded of the fact that even though a person may see a miracle take place right in front of them, it still takes faith to believe it was a miracle and that it was done in Jesus name. In Acts chapter 3-4 we read about Peter healing a cripple man in Jesus’ name. Many believed on Jesus as a result of Peter’s preaching and this miracle, but in 4:14 we read that the religious leaders recognized that a miracle had taken place but still chose ‘not to believe in Jesus.’ Their pride would not let them admit that they were wrong and in need a Savior. Ultimately a person’s heart has to be open and willing to believe in Jesus by faith. Even if you see a miracle or hear of a miracle you still have to chose whether to believe it or not. Miracles and signs and wonders are not primarily done to help people believe they are done because that is what the Kingdom of God is all about, restoring and healing broken people. God is not using people’s sickness as a means of advancing His kingdom. He brings healing and deliverance because He loves people.