To do such a thing is to proclaim to be the mediator between me and God the Father. Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between me and God, as is true with all born-again believers who have the Holy Spirit.
We no longer need prophets who tell the future; we walk by faith according to the revealed word of God. If God wants me to know something, He tells me.
A persistent desire for special, supernatural signs to prove God's existence or power, instead of trusting in what God has already revealed, is a lack of faith.
Many people who look for miracles often neglect the commands and principles of God, even justifying disobedience because of the miracle.
I will not allow anyone to diminish my faith by playing the Holy Spirit on my behalf.
I have no need to know the future because I have faith, God will tell me what is needed when it is needed.
Matthew 16:3-4 "…3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away."
Those who continually seek signs and wonders will be fooled by the devil when he parades his false miracles that seem so right but are deceptive and detract from walking by faith in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 "…13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.…"
Satan comes as an angel of light, pretending to be from God, causing many people to place their trust in signs and wonders instead of Christ Himself.
Attempts to bolster faith by the need to "see" miracles diminishes faith, it does not build it. Paul trusted Christ through his infirmity, even when he was never healed of his physical problems.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
"8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
The greatest faith occurs when we trust Christ even when things are hard. We know He goes through with us, often not bailing us out but building our faith because we remain trusting in Him when difficulties do not subside.
It is easy to trust Christ when things are easy and we are getting everything we want. True faith is tested when the trials come.
Matthew 5:45 "so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Our faith is seen by the world the best in our unwavering joy and peace through the trials.
Matthew 5:44-45 "…44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
No one escapes the trials or storms of life; how we respond to them is what reveals our character, whether we walk in the flesh or whether we walk in the Spirit.
The most foolish and mean-spirited thing one can say to another person in the middle of a trial is "you don't have enough faith", as though one must muster up faith and all their troubles will go away.
The greatest faith I have seen in people has been from those who lived a lifetime of trials and still remained faithful to God's Word. Their joy was present in the middle of their tears; they praised God even when it hurt. Perhaps a good account to read is that of Job, who suffered greatly and yet never was angry with God. He mourned and prayed, but never demonstrated anger or distrust in God.
Galatians 6:10 "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith."
The best thing we can do for those who are suffering is to pray for the strength for them to endure through it. Because, after all, only God knows when to lift the suffering or if it will ever be lifted. Our kindness is in realizing we don't know God's will for someone else, and He can give them the strength necessary to endure.
We can pray for healing too for others, but we never want to pray against God's Will, and we don't know what His will is for someone else.
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
The trials may be emotional persecution as one is rejected by those who do not love the truth, or they can be physical persecution from others for our faith. Or, they may simply be a lifelong illness that will keep us humble. There is no gain without pain and suffering builds confidence and perseverance.
Romans 5:3-5
"3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
May we stop looking for special miracles to boast about and begin trusting Christ every day for the small matters as well as the big ones and everything in between.
Our greatest witness to the world is our demeanor and faith through everything difficult.
Philippians 4:5-7 "…5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
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