DOES GOD WORK MIRACLES TODAY?

"I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set pines in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this..." Isaiah 41:18-20

I pray for miracles every day. I plead with God to provide income out of thin air and extend healing to my suffering loved ones. I ask for peace and restoration among my family and in the world. Sometimes I get discouraged because big flashy miraculous answers to repeated prayers don't drop from the sky. That's probably because I see without comprehending what God is doing all around me every day. Today, these verses in Isaiah gave me a peek into the awesome world of God's miraculous provision. 

God's power is everywhere displayed. I guess I take it for granted that impossible things can co-exist harmoniously on earth. Yet the hand of the Lord has done this. Take a look at the contrasts in these verses: "rivers on barren heights and springs within valleys." According to natural scientifically explainable order, rivers run through valleys and springs come forth out of rocky mountains. Next verse, "I will turn the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into springs." Everyone knows deserts are dry ground without springs. Yet, where God plants pools of water in deserts (oases) we accept that as a normal occurrence. 

How about the trees? Cedar and acacia, myrtle and olive, growing in close proximity. If you know anything about gardening, this would be tough to accomplish in your own yard. But God created these trees with amazing adaptability. The cedar tree is the hardiest of tree junipers. It does well in poor soil and withstands winds well. It also grows in heavily forested areas along coastal areas in very good soil. The acacia tree is native to warm regions and is drought resistant, requiring deep infrequent watering to encourage root growth. The myrtle will take hot sun or part shade, and any soil with good drainage. Some myrtle varieties grow in the desert and others grow in wet zones. The olive is slow growing, needs full sun, and will adapt to a variety of soils. Olive trees thrive in hot dry summers but also grow in wet coastal areas.

I lived in the Mojave Desert for a few years. Acacia trees were everywhere, especially along dry riverbeds. During wet winters, they bloomed a striking pink. I don't remember cedars, myrtles, and olives growing alongside them. Yet God's word proclaims that He is able to make all these grow in close proximity in the desert and in the Middle East they still thrive together today.

Isaiah also says God has set pines in the wasteland along with firs and cypress. Pines are wind resistant, so they would do well in the windy wastelands. Some pine varieties are less resistant to draught than others. They tolerate a wide range of soils and environmental conditions. Firs are hardy and resistant to draught and heat as are cypress trees, which will grow in desert areas or coastal areas. What combinations God has created! Consider His handiwork. What Man could do this? 

God has worked all this for our encouragement. We are to look at these anomalies and say, "If God can make pines and cedars thrive in the desert, He can certainly provide what I need." I do not need to worry about tomorrow. There is nothing impossible for God. He is able to produce a constant stream of miracles all over the world. Where has He left His miraculous footprint in my life? God, today please open my eyes to see the mracles you've done. 

Posted by Catherine Leggitt at 8/31/2010 10:00 AM
Categories: HOLY SCRIPTURE EXPOUNDED
Tags: ISAIAH 41
 

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