IN its original meaning, a miracle is any act, event or experience that could only come from God. This meaning has, however, metamorphosed into what is now seen as the occasional activity of God that enables one to achieve an unattainable goal. The Bible assures us in Matthew 19, that there is nothing impossible to God, therefore the sense of limitation and impossibility arises from the human sense. Miracles should therefore rightly be a marvel to the human sense. But man must never lose sight of the fact that a miracle is natural to man because it’s natural with God.

God is able to do abundantly above all that we ask and think, (according to Ephesians 3), and He is able to do so constantly, not once in a while or only to a deserving few. How then can people experience the miraculous more in their lives? How can an individual get the miracle Jesus promised his followers, as recorded in St. Mark? How can Christians obey the commands of the Messiah, to go into the world, preach the gospel, cast out demons, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and heal the sick? How can one emulate Apostle Paul in having dominion over deadly poisonous vipers, surviving the various shipwrecks that are so prevalent in human life?

By studying the Bible as well as other literature that are worthy of elevating one spiritually, though subordinate companions to the Bible. One of which is the textbook, Science And Health With Key To The Scriptures written by Mary Baker Eddy. Many are finding this book an invaluable resource in their bid to learn how to experience the miraculous. The Bible, however, cautions that not all signs and wonders or miracles are from God. Magicians, sorcerers, witches, false prophets and Satan (the very epitome of evil) also perform marvels, either to support false religions, or to deceive the elect of God (Matthew 24). It is imperative, therefore, as the First Epistle of John admonishes us to, ‘try the spirits whether they are of God.’

No man can do true signs and wonders unless God is with him. Indeed, Acts and Romans remind us that in God we live, move and have our being; and nothing can separate us from His presence. Healing by the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit is clearly the work of God; and any man that attributes the power of healing to himself or to a particular human being as a personal attribute has clearly missed the point. God does not share His glory with any other god or man. So, true miracles are from God alone, and come through absolute faith in His ability and loving power. Such miracles are permanent, and this includes healing. Everyone is expected to witness the activity of God, since God, who is Love itself, is willing and able to give man all good things. And this comes, when individuals cease to limit God in any direction, trust and His immeasurable love. Then, the miraculous shall become an every day, reliable occurrence — the normal and natural.

Solanke is of the Christian Science Committee on Publication - Nigeria West