SOAP: Super-natural

S--Luke 11:29-32  "...wicked generation.  It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah..." (29b).

O--Jesus is unhappy with the people's ability to believe, even after they just witnessed him do a miracle (in v 14).  They are always asking for "a sign."  He expresses that these unbelieving people will receive condemnation from those of Ninevah, who--through Jonah--were able to hear of God's disapproval of their actions and repent of those sins.

A--While this wasn't the first passage to jump out at me, it was definitely the most convicting.  Lately I find myself asking God for "a sign."  Perhaps not in those words, but I long to see the super-natural.  I want to see a miracle.  I want to see a healed hand, or personally witness an incurable disease being healed, or a known cynic-turned-faithful.  I don't know why, but I want to be a part of that.  I want to see!

I may not have Christ casting out demons in front of me, but I am convicted because I've seen my share of  miracles:  My nephew--born at 25 weeks and 2 lbs 5 ounces--is now 13 and completely healthy.  I've experienced God's calling to an extent that was beyond my capabilities--and watched him provide the means.  And I've personally experienced a very hard heart, that wanted to give up on many levels, and prayed that God would soften my impossibly hard heart and then a split-second later felt a peace that was beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  More recently, I've had the power of healing on my own life as a spirit of fear was preventing me from living the way God intended, and a friend put oil on my head and prayed for me.  I slept that night for the first time in weeks.

P--Lord, please forgive me for being so unbelieving.  In the words of the boy's father (Mark 9:24), "Help me overcome my unbelief!"  Even just remembering the ways you have worked miracles in my life has lifted my spirits and my hope.  It has reminded me of your power and your presence.  I'm so grateful for the ways you have worked in my life.  Thank you for your mercy, for being patient with me, and for saving me.  Amen.