Here is one of those perfect topics that I can honestly say, “God, I don’t get it”. I won’t reference the specific event so as not to embarrass anyone; however, I’ll try to keep the rant in context.
I’m completely convinced western civilization “Christianity” has watered down the word “miracle” to the point that any self pleasing, warm-hearted, kindly act or pleasant outcome is touted as miraculous. All in an effort to avoid the hard fact – we don’t experience miracles in our lives because we’re not putting ourselves in the position of needing one.
Wikipedia even describes “miracle” in rather un-miraculous terms, “A miracle is an unexpected event attributed to divine intervention.” The definition goes on to say “Act of God” is anything outside our control, i.e. the weather.
Here’s my fear. Christians believe that crap.
Where’s the blind man healed? How about the lame man walking? Let me see the disciple that says, “I have no silver or gold, but that I have I give to you”. Bam, a beggar is forgiven and healed. If God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; and if John 14, the book of Acts and numerous other accounts are true then where are those miracles?
We see them when, through obedience, a Christian is willing to give up comfort, security, or self-preservation and be completely dependant on God’s promises. Then an atmosphere is created in which one is reliant on God. Then the power of God can be seen. It isn’t a one time televised spectacular. It’s a daily, painful, step by step process of letting God have everything. Maybe it’s your retirement, your car, your savings, your business, your relationships, your dignity, your self-respect, your __________ that you’ve been asked to sacrifice for the good of someone else. All without the promise of getting anything in return. As I direct those same questions to me, it gets painful; disappointing. Jesus’ claims were no less radical than his expectations. Miracles were God’s handiwork! To reduce them to a casual reference of a fortuitous event cheapens them.
God help me, “I don’t get it”. Not like I should.
"God, I don't get it" 
Totally agree Jim. It bothered me at first when people used that term for Kelsie; I didn’t want her to be a cliche. I didn’t feel like I deserved a miracle or that I had sacrificed. A friend mentioned to me however, that the attitude that Lace and I adopted during that period of, “God, not our desires, but Your will,” was the offer of sacrifice. In any case, I agree it is overused, but that said, it is hard to look at my little one-percenter and not believe God intervened. Love you man!
Thank you for the note! That is exactly what I’m talking about. Kelsie’s 1% was something to celebrate. It was nothing short of miraculous. Your self sacrifice of releasing your own desire is the tough, down to earth real commitment that I think scripture calls for. Being in the position of needing a miracle just isn’t someplace that we typically choose for ourselves. That’s the tough part. Thanks again for the note. Can’t wait to see you all again.