“Don’t ever short-circuit a miracle by trying to see it in progress!” –Kenneth Copeland
Because our natural eyes often dictate our next move (i.e. we see a stray ball coming our way so we duck, or we see a dog running in the street so we brake), we are often guilty of utilizing our spiritual eyes the same way. The best example I can give comes from a story I heard from Rick Renner.
Bro. Rick and his wife moved to Russia many years ago and with God’s grace have raised up the largest, spirit-filled church in Moscow. Being an American and having partners in the U.S., he often returns once or twice a year to minister in churches and conferences. At one particular meeting, he said a strong spirit of faith had filled the place and so he called up those who needed healing in their body.
A woman carrying a young girl came forward for prayer. As Bro. Rick went to lay hands on her and pray, he noticed the child’s feet were twisted and turned the wrong direction–thus the reason her mother was carrying her. Bro. Rick said the power of God was so tangible when he prayed that the mother fell to the floor with the child still in her arms. He then declared to the whole congregation that they were about to see a miracle–he was sure of it!
But when the mother stood up, the child’s feet were still as twisted as when she came forward.
Bro. Rick was not only embarrassed by his announcement, but he also became mad at God. He prayed and told the Lord he would not pray for another person until God explained to him why he was so certain the power of God was present but nothing manifested. And to his word, Bro. Rick wouldn’t pray for people. If he was in a meeting and someone asked him to pray, he’d very nicely refer them to the pastor.
Despite this detour of faith, Bro. Rick’s teaching ministry continued to grow. One year later, he was back in the U.S. ministering about an hour from the church where he had prayed for the woman and her child. After the meeting he was in the foyer greeting people at his book table when the woman approached him with an envelope in her hand. At first, he said he didn’t recognize her. She explained who she was and began thanking him for praying for her daughter’s healing.
He very politely greeted her and then reminded her that her daughter wasn’t healed. She said, “Oh yes, that night!” He again said, “No ma’am, I wish she was, but we both know she was not.”
The woman then opened her envelope and pulled out a set of x-rays. She went on to explain that after they got home, her daughter began to complain that her legs hurt. The mother massaged the child’s legs, gave her Tylenol, and warm baths, but she continued to complain about her legs hurting for several days. Finally, the mother decided to take her daughter to the doctor.
After x-rays and tests, the doctor came in and told the mother, “I don’t know how to explain this but your daughter’s legs are turning around.”
About the time the mother was sharing this with Bro. Rick, the child came running up to the table beside them. She was completely healed!
He repented to God for his doubt and then realized a miracle isn’t always a miracle just because we can see it happen in an instant. Many miracles happen over a period of time. “As they went, they were cured and made clean” (Luke 17:11).
So whatever miracle you’re needing today, don’t short-circuit it by trying to see it with your natural eyes. Keep your spiritual eyes on God’s Word and let Him do the work.
