{"id":3932,"date":"2017-03-12T09:00:46","date_gmt":"2017-03-12T14:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3932"},"modified":"2017-01-25T19:53:47","modified_gmt":"2017-01-26T01:53:47","slug":"choose-not-to-look-for-signs-and-wonders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3932","title":{"rendered":"Choose Not to Seek Signs and Wonders"},"content":{"rendered":"

One More Year of Choices\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

By Barbara Dahlgren<\/em><\/p>\n

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In today\u2019s technologically driven age, we are constantly exposed to ever increasing, mind boggling activities. We are plugged in, turned on, or hooked up all day long. Texting, emails, iPods, iPads, cell phones, snap chats, video games, T.V., and surfing the Net consume hours daily. We become addicted to constant brain stimulation.<\/p>\n

How does this affect the Christian community or those searching for Christ? Well, no longer are they satisfied with the ordinary. They must have dramatic faith healings and spectacular miracles or else they think God does not exist or is not doing a good job. Unfortunately, they have the cart before the horse. People want to experience a miracle to believe in God, when actually they need to believe first.<\/p>\n

In Christ\u2019s hometown of Galilee, Christ didn\u2019t do many miracles because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13:58) Was this because Christ\u2019s miracles were dependent on their faith? Not at all! But what would have been the point? They wouldn\u2019t have believed anyway, because contrary to popular opinion, miracles do not increase belief. The Israelites proved that. God performed miracle after miracle for them, including parting the Red Sea and they still didn\u2019t believe He could take care of them in the Promised Land.<\/p>\n

Sometimes God does provide a visual when He knows it will actually boost our faith. Such was the case with Thomas who said he wouldn\u2019t believe Christ had risen from the dead unless he saw Him, but Jesus was quick to tell him, \u201cBecause you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.\u201d (John 20:24-29)<\/p>\n

The need for Christ to authenticate His message through miracles has long passed and would be wasted on our visual effects society. Besides, God should not have to prove Himself to us. His message speaks for itself. Sadly, some professing Christians are still seeking signs and wonders long after their conversion. This is not so much that they doubt Christ\u2019s existence as they are looking for a \u201cthrill\u201d that comes from the miracle. It gives a \u201chigh,\u201d a byproduct from an over-stimulated society. But when we are always looking for the next big thing or supernatural happening in our lives to feel God\u2019s presence, we forget that He has been with us all along. We miss the daily walk.<\/p>\n

Sure there are times we have those horrible \u201clows\u201d in life where we cry out to God for miraculous deliverance and experience the \u201chigh\u201d that comes when we are delivered. But when there is no major difficulty going on, do we see the miracles of God in the drudgery of everyday life? Do we see God in our day-to-day grind \u2013 getting up when the 6 o\u2019clock alarm rings, taking a shower, brushing our teeth, carpooling the kids, driving to work in the same old car to the same old job and coming home to the same old family, then cooking something to eat, doing the dishes, helping with homework, falling into bed dog-tired? Can we cheerfully get up and do it all again the next day and stay totally centered on God?<\/p>\n

Healthy Christians are able to go through life without God having to supernaturally zap them with an addictive spiritual methamphetamine to get them through the day. As we grow in God\u2019s grace, we realize the miracle of God revealing Himself to us all the time. It might be in the laughter of a child, the smile of a coworker, clouds in the sky, sunlight on a window pane, or the guy who lets us merge in traffic.<\/p>\n

Consider this\u2026 If we are truly looking for a miracle, we need look no further than where we are. For where we are, God will be. He\u2019ll never leave us nor forsake us no matter what. He can be our peace and calm in an over-stimulated world. If we don\u2019t see that as a miracle, there is no need to look anywhere else, because we\u2019ll never find it.<\/p>\n

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Suggestions for practicing this choice\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n