The Finger of God

"Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod

and struck the dust of the earth,

and there came biting gnats or mosquitoes 

on man and beast;

all the dust of the land became biting gnats or mosquitoes

throughout all the land of Egypt.

The magicians tried by their enchantments

and secret arts to bring for gnats or mosquitoes,

but they could not;

and there were gnats or mosquitoes

on man and beast.

Then the magicians said to Pharaoh,

'This is the finger of God!'

But Pharaoh's heart was hardened and strong

and he would not listen to them,

just as the Lord had said."

Exodus 8:17-19 AMP

The doctors couldn't explain it.  The nurses and other medical personnel had never seen anything like it.  Everyone was surprised to see the test results because it went against the expected outcome.  Everyone, that is, except the parents of the 11-year-old little boy.  You see, they had faith that God could heal the tiny fractures in their son's back, so they prayed for it.  Not only that, but they asked the elders at church to lay their hands on him and pray.  And lo and behold if not a few weeks later did his doctor receive the surprise of his life, prompting him to say,  "I've never seen anything like this in my 25 years of practice."

There are some things that cannot be explained with human reasoning.  These miracles defy nature, go outside the norm, and blow away all reasonable expectations: They can only be described as the work of God.

Radical Change

She went from being a drug addict known for her radical mood swings and eradicate behavior to an even-keeled, responsible woman who could be counted on to jump in and lend a helping hand where needed.  

He who was known for his driven personality and cut-throat business dealings suddenly became identified by his compassionate demeanor and willingness to drop everything to help one in need.

The once all-consuming goal held by the scientist to reach the top of his field of work unexpectedly faded, replaced by a desire to love God and serve others.

These are examples of a radical change experienced by those who give their lives to Christ.  He takes the old and makes it new, transforming our minds so that what used to be vitally important suddenly means nothing. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 3:7)  This kind of change can only be accomplished by an all-powerful God.

Therefore, I can trust Him to bring about a similar transformation in the lives of the neighbor who is a constant thorn in my side, or the co-worker who can find nothing positive to say, or the spouse who feels the need to remind me of all my faults on a regular basis.  There is nothing man can do to change a heart, but God is in the business of bringing about such radical changes.

A fundamental transformation of character can only be explained as a work of a loving, powerful God.

Miraculous Healing

Her once ever-present sense of guilt and shame was suddenly gone.  The fear and pain that had become a constant companion faded away.  Where this woman's sleep was regularly interrupted by horrific nightmares, she now experienced peace and rest as soon as her head hit the pillow.  

Sarah had grown up suffering tremendous abuse inflicted at the hand of her cruel and sadistic father.  When she gave her life to Christ and stepped into His gracious and loving arms, however, He began the process of healing her emotional wounds, giving her freedom from all that had plagued her throughout her lifetime.

I can go to the most skilled counselors who will use their training and gifts to walk me through past traumas, tragedies or abuse, helping me to come out on the other side whole and ready to move on with my life.  Only God, however, can bring about complete healing.  He can use people to accomplish His work, but all the glory goes to Him for the great things He has done.

Likewise, God can also bring about physical or spiritual healing in ways that a physician or pastor simply cannot accomplish.  When the Lord performs this kind of miracle, those who witness it gain a new sense of God's character and might.

A miraculous healing of any kind can only be explained as the work of a mighty God.

Sudden Provision

When I look back over the past year, I can't explain it.  My family's income did not match up to our expenses, but our bills have all been paid, we never went a day without food, and we all have everything we need.  If I had to clarify how this happened, I would come up with a loss of words.  There are some things that can only be attributed to God's provision.

My neighbor could tell the same story.  They were getting ready to move but still needed to get rid of a car that no longer worked.  While they had taken the steps to try to sell it, neither of the perspective buyers had returned his calls.  As the the day wore on and the moving truck became more and more filled, he wondered what he should do.  He couldn't just leave the car sitting in the driveway after he left.

Finally, about an hour before it was time to begin his journey to his family's new home, he received a phone call.  The man who had looked at the car earlier decided he wanted to buy it.  My neighbor went to meet him, and they transferred the title and exchanged funds.  God had suddenly provided a solution at the final hour.

Anyone who walks with the Lord experiences a similar kind of provision from out of nowhere.  Sometimes its the offer of a helping hand at just the right moment, a check in the mail when the cupboards are bare, or a need being filled in a way that cannot be explained.  Whatever the mode, however, the source is always the One who has unlimited resources.  (Psalm 50:10)

A sudden provision can only be explained as the work of an exceedingly rich God.  (Philippians 4:19)

There are some things in life that simply cannot be explained with human reasoning.  These are the acts that can be attributed to a mighty God.  Only He can bring about a radical change, perform a miraculous healing, or supply a sudden provision.  And when those around witness the finger of God in these ways, He gets all the glory!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look for God's inexplicable acts among the ordinary events of the day.

When do I think God only works in ways that can be understood, placing Him in a tiny box?

How am I minimizing the resources of God in the low expectations I have for Him?