The Miraculous in the New NormalSample

Looking for a Sign

People want to believe in the supernatural, no matter what language they use to express it—we see it everywhere in popular culture. And whether or not people chase aliens or ghosts, call astrologists or mediums for direction, search for transcendence through sexual encounters, or try to escape the boundaries of the natural world with mood-altering substances, it’s the desire to see the wonders that motivates us all.

I’m convinced that there is a reason for this restlessness. I’m convinced that our God, revealed to us in Christ, is still performing signs and wonders. I believe that blind eyes are still being opened, the oppressed are still being set free, and the dead are still being raised. We are drawn to supernatural horror films and superheroes in spandex because we are restless for miracles on some deep, intuitive level. Somewhere inside us, we know we were made for more than the laws of gravity. Keep in mind that miracles cannot be earned by good behavior, but they can be anticipated by our faith. Everybody wants to see miracles, but not everyone makes space for them. Consecration is what makes all the difference.

Consecration is not about effort; it’s about attention. It’s about making space for God. Consecration means setting ourselves apart for an intended purpose. At times throughout history, buildings and objects have been set apart for sacred use. The temple and the ark of the covenant were the places where God’s presence dwelled in sacred space. Entering those places required consecration. Joshua’s call to “sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Josh. 3:5, NKJV) points to the fact that we consecrate ourselves today so that we can see God move tomorrow. 

A new normal in our lives almost always comes as a result of consecration; a season in God’s presence stirs our hearts and awakens us to God’s nearness. Joshua gave the people orders to follow behind the ark of the covenant as the priests carried it. The ark represented the presence of God. They were to keep all their focus and attention on the presence, sensitive to every movement, every leading. It meant waiting on the Lord and following the Lord’s presence wherever He went—when it made sense and when it didn’t.

Many times we have this idea that if God wants something to happen, it will happen. That is not necessarily the case. Sometimes people miss out on what God would have done—perhaps even what He is doing—simply because they are unwilling to consecrate themselves. They are too wrapped up in the things of the world (in Paul’s language, not the earth itself but the systems of earth that conspire against God and human flourishing, see Galatians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 7:31, Ephesians 5:5).

 If we are going to walk into the land God has promised us, we have to make a conscious choice to walk away from those things that entangle us.

Verse to dwell on: 

You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day. JEREMIAH 32:20, NLT

Scriptures:

Joshua 3:5

Galatians 4:3

1 Corinthians 7:31

Jeremiah 32:20

Ephesians 5:5