And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him

"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (Mat. 8:23-27). I don't know if you've ever noticed, but with many of the miracles of Jesus the scripture tells us that everyone was amazed and that everyone marveled at these miracles. The thing is however, it NEVER says that Jesus marveled or was amazed at the miracles. So why was everyone except for Jesus amazed at the miracles that he did? Easy, because he was the only one who ALWAYS expected and knew that these things would come to pass. Jesus expected the miraculous at all times because he knew that the miraculous is the only true reality. Any lack of expectation on our part about miracles is simply unbelief and ignorance in us, and we very much need to overcome that lack of faith. When Jesus cursed the fig tree and his disciples marveled at it being withered and dead the next morning, he simply told them, "Have faith in God" (Mk. 11:22). So what that tells us is that the miraculous is the will of God and we can and should believe him for it. Jesus didn't tell them to have faith in God to curse a tree, but rather to have faith in God, period. In fact he went on to tell them; "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mk. 11:23,24).

I have to say that what Jesus said there covers quite a broad spectrum, and it doesn't leave any room for doubt that it is God's will to show us the miraculous things of his mighty power. It is also noteworthy that the only requirement on our part to see these things take place is that we BELIEVE that they will take place. I'm aware of the many arguments for why God may not do miraculous things sometimes, but the words of Jesus actually leave no room at all FOR argument. Arguments against the miraculous on any level are only expressions of unbelief. It really is that simple. If we're not getting it done, it can only be for a lack of faith on our part. So the first thing we must do to acquire the faith that is needed to experience the miraculous is throw out all of the 'reasons' why we don't experience it; and just admit that we need more faith in God, like Jesus said in regard to the fig tree. We will just have to admit that we are "fearful, and of little faith," like he told his disciples in reference to the stormy sea. If we can simplify things down to that level of honesty and truth, then we can begin to move down the road to miraculous faith; and believe me when I tell you that we are soon going to need a lot of that kind of faith. Jesus spoke some really sobering words of prophecy about the time that we are swiftly approaching, telling us; "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Lk. 21:25-27). If we hope to be ready for his second coming, then we will have to be free from the fear and doubt that prevent us from believing and expecting the miraculous. The only other alternative is exactly what Jesus said, and I repeat: "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." May God help us to be where we will need to be in our faith, and to always expect and believe in his mighty power for great and miraculous things. Amen.