Quiet Miracles

Elisha is an Old Testament prophet, and God performed many mighty miracles

through him. He healed Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5), raised a dead boy

back to life (2 Kings 4), and stopped the Aramean army from doing violence

(2 Kings 6). But in the midst of these stories, we also read about some of

the small, quiet miracles God performed through Elishaanswers to prayer

for the specific needs of his friends.

.

In 2 Kings 4, a prophet’s widow is in a desperate situation: she can’t pay

her debts, and her two sons may be forced into slavery. The only thing the

woman has is a little olive oil, and so Elisha tells her to borrow as many

empty jars as she can from her neighbors. With her door closed, and only

her sons as witnesses, the woman begins to pour oil from her small

container and miraculously fills every single jar she borrowed! Her

financial worries are over as she then sells the oil.

.

In 2 Kings 6, a group of prophets is cutting down trees near the Jordan

River, and a borrowed ax head (made of iron) falls into the water. How can

they repay the man who loaned them the tool? But then Elisha throws a stick

into the water, and the iron ax head miraculously floats so they can

retrieve it, and disaster is once again avoided.

.

Sometimes, God answers prayer with spectacular, awesome displays of

miraculous power, but most of the time the answers come in quiet ways. Even

if these answers to prayer may not technically be miracles, they are still

evidence of God’s power and His care for creation. It’s important to

remember that we can bring all our prayers to Godnot just the big stuff,

but all the concerns we have for ourselves and others. In big ways and

small ways, God delights to hear and answer prayer! Laura N. Sweet

.

Why do you think God included stories of quiet miracles in the Bible?

.

Have you ever experienced God answering a prayer? What happened?

.

What kinds of problems are weighing on you today? Whether they seem big

or small to you, consider taking a moment to ask God for help with these

things.

.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what

you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Read Verses:

2Kgs:4:1-2Kgs:4:7; 2Kgs:6:1-2Kgs:6:7; Philippians 4:6