Advent Day 22 - The Unexpected Miracle

This year's Advent devotionals are from A Celebration of Advent:
A 25-Day Devotional by New Spring Church of Anderson, SC
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“He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” 

Isaiah 53:3, NLT

When rescue doesn’t come the way we thought it would, we grow restless. Often, God works in ways we don’t expect and would never see coming. Jesus fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah. Yet, His life runs contrary to the Savior people had in mind.

Israel waited for the deliverance of a mighty king. But their rescuer wasn’t going to be typical. Messiah would have “no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2-3). This suffering servant would be pierced, crushed, and wounded for them (Isaiah 53:5).

Jesus didn’t take over by might or force of will. Instead, Jesus gave His life so we could have eternal life. What God has prepared for us is greater than our expectations (1 Corinthians 2:9). Maybe you need healing from a chronic illness. Maybe you’re looking for work and wondering how you will provide for your family. The miracle you’re looking for might not come in the package you expect. But God is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Reflect: Read Isaiah 53:1-6, John 3:16-17, John 20:31
Do miracles happen in expected ways?
How have you seen suffering and uncertainty amplify the glory of God?
What miracles are you waiting for this Christmas?

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Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to see Your miracles in our lives and to recognize Your miraculous hands in our daily living. Remind us to not overlook the miracle of life - in waking up each day and also to be grateful knowing Your mercies are new every morning. We choose to believe Your Word that ALL things work together for our good. This, too, is miraculous. Teach us what You would have us to learn in all things that come our way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Telling of the Miracle

Sing to him; yes, sing his praises And tell of his marvelous works. 

1 Chronicles 16:9 TLB

Tonight, I attended a Praise Service where my son, Aaron, and his family attend. My daughter-in-love saved me a seat next to her, but asked if I minded not sitting on the aisle because she wanted a good view of her husband while he played drums and worshiped. I didn't mind, and as it turned out, I was able to see him, too. 

I love hearing my son on the drums - he plays with such gusto! And tonight, singing praise, declaring the goodness of God and all He has done, I was reminded again of the miracle it is that Aaron can even play the drums. 

I had severe morning sickness when I carried him and was prescribed an anti-nausea medicine. After taking it for several months, a report came out that stated the drug was found to cause severe birth defects such as no arms or severely mutated limbs. Yet because of the marvelous, miraculous works of God, I watched in awe as Aaron tore it up on those drums tonight, playing for God's glory!

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You again for the miracle of children, the manifest glory of Your presence, and the matchless love that brought salvation to us! Forgive us for the times we allow the miraculous to blend into the everyday without heralding Your great and marvelous works! May we never again miss the opportunity to tell of Your goodness and grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen