One of my favorite movies of all times is called Miracles. Maybe you’ve seen it? It is the story of Herb Brooks, a former player turned coach of the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team. Brooks takes a group of uniquely paired college hockey players and defeats the unstoppable Russians for the Gold Medal. It was history making – and it was real – and in my lifetime.

My memory of the game is vivid and detailed. For me, the miracle occurred in the living room of a college buddy of mine. We were so intent on watching the game, we forgot we’d put a pot of Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup on the stove and it’s a miracle we didn’t burn his mom’s house down. The movie brought that period of my life to reality as if I were smelling that burnt chicken soup and jumping on and off the couch again as the United States defeated the Russians, something no one believed could ever happen.

The word miracle flippantly flows in and out of our mouths at random times. “It’s a miracle we found a parking spot!” “It’s a miracle he missed that flight!” Then there are the more serious quotes, “There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein. The Bible is filled with miracles – cover to cover. We read about extraordinary events which are unexplainable in normal life and tag them miracles. But deep down – where no one knows but you – the place where your dreams and failures, your secret wishes and mistakes are held – do you believe in miracles?

Many find them improbable and highly unlikely. And there is a belief that reason will always weigh heavily against them. Well, yes! It is true. That’s why they are called miracles.

Jairus, an official of the local synagogue, had a daughter. Sickness was taking her life and he came to plead for help from Jesus. While they were on their way to her, word came to them that she had died. Jesus responded in Mark 5:36, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”

When they arrived at the home, the mourners were all around. The smell of death flowed through the room. Hope seeped through the crevices of the floor and walls, not to be found. Jesus told them the little girl was sleeping but they laughed at him.

Mark 5:41, “He took her by the hand and said to her ‘Talitha, koum,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I tell you to get up!’ She got up at once and started walking around.”

Miracles…

One of my favorite quotes from the hockey movie “Miracles” says, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.”

Moments before Jarius received his miracle in the healing of his daughter, a woman touched Jesus’ robe. She had suffered from bleeding for 12 years. Anemic, exhausted, and out of resources, she saw an opportunity to be changed; to live differently; to be healed. In the moment, she risked it all and faithfully touched the source she knew could make her whole again. Mark 5:34, “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'”

Is God still in the miracle business? Yes, He is. So much of what God does for us is hidden. In Hebrews 1:14 tells us, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” We will only learn of all that God orchestrated for us when we reach Heaven.

One of the greatest miracles God has given to us is a changed life. When we willingly open our hearts to Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we receive the gift of Eternal Life with Him. If you have already accepted Christ into your heart, then you know what a miracle your salvation is. If you have not, invite Him into your heart and experience the abundant love of Jesus Christ. Miracles happen every day and they start with a belief in Him.