God’s Miracles Raise our Expectations

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us—Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)

For Insight

When Jesus performed his first earthly miracle in Cana, he did more than turn water into wine. He raised the expectations of humans. The master of the feast—today’s wedding planner—was accustomed to the host serving the very best wine first, then, after the guests had, as he said, “drunk freely,” breaking out the poorer or lesser quality wine. After all, who would know the difference at that point? But because of the miracle Jesus performed the master of the feast credited the host for having remarkable integrity and generosity toward his guests and was impressed.

Second, Jesus performed a miracle to fill a human need. The wine was running it. It would have been an embarrassment for the host if that had happened. For the host to run out of wine at a banquet was in poor taste and showed he had not planned well. He would have never lived it down. Is this proof enough that God cares about the details of our lives down to saving us from being embarrassed?   

Third, Jesus’ miracle worked faith in his disciples. John said, “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him (John 2:11). It was the first time they witnessed Jesus’ divinity and it caused them to be convinced he was no ordinary human.

The master of the feast didn’t know who to praise so he praised the host. It’s interesting to note that John does record the host denying he had any part of it but took the credit for what God had done. Are we impressed that a miracle from God can make us look good? Look more intentional about our work ethic? Look as though we have it all together?    

God performs miracles in our lives so we will know where they came from, and we will give credit where credit is due. When we are the recipients of a heavenly miracle, we are to know without a morsel of doubt that it was God and that God can accomplish exceedingly, abundantly more than what our human minds can conceive. Then we are to go forth praising him for what he’s done in our lives, in the lives of others, and in the world around us.

Jesus, I praise you for the miracles you perform in my life. Amen

Apply:

What have God’s miracles done for you? Raised your expectations? Convinced you that God really does care about you? Helped open your eyes to God’s power and sovereignty? Worked or brought new or renewed faith in the power of God to do anything? To do more than you can ask, think, or imagine?