February 18, 2023: Now That’s Unusual!

"Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19:11, NKJV)

Webster defines 'unusual' as not common or rare. Before reading any further, try and answer this question; "What would be an unusual miracle to you?" Paul would touch handkerchiefs and aprons. These handkerchiefs and aprons would be taken to sick people, and ill people would be made well and delivered from evil spirits.

It was also unusual that people would be healed by Peter's shadow passing over them. The point we must understand in each incident is that Paul and Peter were carrying the tangible presence of God. God, in Peter and Paul, was working unusual miracles. The key understanding in our scripture is that God was working miracles.

The miracles testify to the presence of God. The miracles point back to Jesus. Jesus is the healer. Now, 'serve Him' becomes the message! We can't lose sight of the fact  that twelve men just received the Holy Spirit and had the power to be witnesses too. Paul was their fearless leader breaking into the darkness with light and life, fighting to set the captives free.

God wants to do unusual miracles in our day! He is looking for people willing to go where it is dark or where darkness abounds and shine for Him. Filled with God, we must be willing to go for God to reach lost people. I have a sneaking suspicion that we would see more unusual miracles if we would go with purpose, knowing God sends us to be witnesses.