JOHN 20:30-31

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

TO PONDER

I wonder how many of us could name a famous 'faith healer'? I guess the biggest name in this area during my earlier years was Benny Hinn. Regardless of what name comes to mind, since the time of the early church right through until today, there have been stories of miraculous healings that have occurred in the name of Jesus.

Jesus himself performed many miraculous healings, and as the writer of the Gospel of John puts it, "these were done (and recorded) so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have faith in his name.

I have another book on my shelf, called "God's Generals". It is a collated record of some of the healing ministries of other well known and renowned 'faith healers' in more recent church history (the last 200-300 years or so). In each of these stories, what seems to happen is that what begins as a ministry of the Holy Spirit which testifies to the saving and restoring power of Jesus, ultimately gets corrupted and shifts into a ministry that becomes all about the human leader. No longer is it a 'Jesus' ministry but it becomes, for example, Benny Hinn ministries.

If you have ever witnessed or received a miracle of God in your life, think about how you might, like John, be able to share that story in a way that helps others to recognise Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Don't be afraid to share it with others, but remember to share it in order to point people to Jesus. We can often make these things all about us and while we can be thankful if, and when, we do experience miracles in our lives, they might not be just for us. They may also be the story he wants you to share to bring others to faith in him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I know that at the very least you have worked the miracle of faith in my life, and for that I give you thanks and praise. Help me to see the other miraculous ways you are at work in me, through me, and around me so that I can share those stories and help others find faith in you. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.