The Miracle Worker

How do you get someone's attention?

Sometimes it seems no one is paying attention until they see something amazing, something miraculous, like raising someone form the dead.

Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. - Acts 9:40

This is one way to get people to pay attention, but we all can't perform miracles like Peter did, right?

What if our idea of miracles is all wrong?  What if it wasn't Peter who performed the miracle, but Tabitha?

Just before Peter visited Tabitha, he came upon a man who had been bedridden for eight years.  He told the man that Jesus heals him and ordered him to make his bed.  The man got up and made his bed.

I have known people who were so stubborn, they literally willed themselves sick, to the point of death.  So, why can't we will ourselves well?

The idea that we all have the healing power of the Holy Spirit in us is comforting, but do we truly believe we can call on that power when we need it?

In both instances in today's reading, Peter calls on the individual to do something, to be an active participant in his or her healing experience.

If we look back at the stories of Jesus, we see a similar process, with Jesus asking people what they want to happen, and then telling them to do something, like walk or open their eyes or take up their mat.

I believe God created us to be miracle workers in this world, active participants, not passive observers.  He gave us the power to overcome illness and combat disease.  It is built into our physical nature, yes, but it is also wired into our brains.

It has been shown that the patient's attitude and belief in a positive outcome improves his or her health.  It is when we are told that there is no hope that we give up and the end comes quickly.

So, here is what I would like you to do.  Remind me of these words when I get depressed and lose hope.  Say a prayer, as Peter did, and then tell me to get out of that bed and get back to work.

I promise to call you a miracle worker when you do.

More to come...


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