Miracles Today? Why it Matters

On Saturday, December 21, 2019, two-year-old Olive Alayne unexpectedly passed away. In response to her death, her mother went to social media and asked thousands of people to pray for a miracle…a resurrection from the dead for her little girl.
My heart breaks for this mother and father, who have lost their little girl. I can only imagine the desperation they must be feeling. But my heart also breaks for them because of the false hope they have been given by false doctrine.
While I believe in miracles, I do not believe the Bible teaches that miracles were intended for all time. The Bible records many miracles, thus whether miracles are being performed today or not is not a question of the power of God, but the purpose of God. While God gave men, in times past, the power to raise the dead (e.g. Elijah – 1 Kings 17:17-24; Elisha – 2 Kings 4:18-37; Jesus – Luke 7:11-17; Peter – Acts 9:36-42, etc.), these miraculous gifts have ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:11-13).
Sometimes, people will ask me, “What does it matter? So what, if people think that God still empowers men to perform miracles today. What difference does it make?” Let me briefly answer this question and give you a few reasons why it matters.
First of all, it matters because truth matters (Proverbs 23:23). While coming to an understanding of all truth is not essential to be saved, we should never be content with error, but should always live in pursuit of truth. Error, consequential or not, should never be desired over truth.
People are vulnerable in times of heartache and loss. This vulnerability has been fertile soil for charlatans who take advantage of these hurting people and to manipulate them to their own gain. Countless millions of dollars have exchanged hands in desperation and hope for a miracle. This desperation has made millionaires of countless “miracle peddlers” who do harm to the cause of Christ.
The potential for disillusionment. What will happen to the faith of this desperate mother and father who have been taught God is still willing to raise the dead when their little girl is not raised? Will they be disillusioned? Will they lose their faith? Will they be angry with God for not doing something, he never said he would do?
Friends, pray for this mother and father. They have not only suffered the painful and unexpected loss of their little girl, but they must also deal with the inevitable suffering resulting from their belief in a false doctrine. Pray that their loss, will drive them to God’s word to search for answers and discover why their miracle wasn’t granted. Pray that they come to an understanding that their hope is in their obedience to the gospel, which promises them the reunion they seek with their little girl.