Sometimes Miracles From God Are Not Recognized At First

Troy Conrad
Troy Conrad

Our lives are not determined by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Billy Graham, the famous evangelist, tells a story of how during the Korean War he visited with a group of Marines from the First Division. While he was at their base, a group of men came up to him to tell them about a miracle God had given them.

The squad was trapped behind enemy lines for over two weeks. The enemy was all around them and it was freezing cold. They had long ago ran out of food to eat and as exhaustion and hunger set in, their mindset changed. They were lost and they started to give up hope on getting back to friendly territory.

One of the Marine Sergeants was a Christian and he told his squad that God would help them and give them strength. When day after day with no food and colder temperatures came, they started to turn to prayer. They had nothing else.

So they prayed that God would deliver them, provide them food and show them the way home.

Many in the squad didn't believe in the miracle of prayer. Even the Sergeant didn't think that God would take an active role in their salvation. He just knew that somehow, by praying, they seemed to get a little stronger and bond in fellowship a little more each day.

One day, they decided to surrender to the next enemy patrol they saw.

Suddenly, a crashing sound came from the surrounding brush. They all jumped to attention. As the sound got louder they became more anxious and out of nowhere their appeared a wild boar. It was breathing hard from the run through the brush. Its eyes were wide open and for some reason it just stood still there in the middle of the men.

One of the men raised his gun to shoot. All they could think of was food. But they were hesitant because they knew the shot would draw the emeny to the group. Suddenly the wild boar gave a shriek and fell over dead.

That night the men ate for the first time in weeks. The next day they ate again. Two days in a row of full bellies helped their resolve.

They decided to search for friendly territory. But they had no idea where to start. They were all turned around.

When, again, suddenly a Korean peasant walked up to the men through a small pathway. In broken words the peasant asked if the men needed to be guided back to friendly territory. After debating amongst themselves, the men decided to take a chance and trust the peasant. Either way, captured or returned home, they wouldn't be lost anymore. After two days, the men found their way back to their base.

When the boar appeared, the men didn't consider God was answering their prayers. When the peasant appeared their concerns were on trusting the peasant and not that God was answering their prayers. It wasn't until they returned to the base and were in the safety of their medical tents that one of the men realized God had been with them all along.

Just like Elijah when he fled from the armies of Jezebel, God answers prayers. And just like Elijah, we're always surprised by the miracles we receive. Whatever need you may have today, go to God in prayer. You just may be surprised.

Let us pray.

Dear God. We know you are a God of miracles. That you work in our lives every day. Today we ask you specifically to help us in ways that only we can name. Work your miracles in our lives and let us be a living testimony to your love and care. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

Religion on 02/25/2015