When my 10-year-old grandson, William, came over my house one day, he excitedly told me that he was getting new eyeglasses. He didn't realize that the reason he was getting them was because his vision had worsened. As soon as I explained this fact to him, his excitement quickly vanished. Then I began attempting to encourage him by telling him that he could pray for his vision to improve. Suddenly, his face brightened, and he made a decision to begin praying each day that the Lord would heal his vision. I warned him that if he went around telling people that he was praying for a miracle, they might very well try to talk him out of it. And I told him that it was best if he kept the matter between himself and God.

I have learned the hard way that when I decide to ask the Lord to perform a miracle on my behalf, some people - even some Christians - can become hostile or indignant. Why? Because they feel convicted by the fact that they aren't praying for one. Many times, these people don't want to risk being disappointed if their prayers are not answered the way they hoped. But those of us who truly believe that God is still in the miracle-working business aren't worried about that. Instead of us thinking, "What if I pray and God doesn't answer my prayer?" we are thinking, "What if I pray and God DOES answer my prayer?" (Hallelujah!) The Bible says, "You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it." (James 4:2 NLT) Think about that. What blessings, opportunities, and benefits are you doing without right now, simply because you haven't prayed for them?

Some people have gotten so comfortable with their disease or dysfunction that they have talked themselves out of the deliverance that God had in store for them. They either don't bother praying for healing or restoration, or they pray half-heartedly, not really expecting to experience God's miracle-working power - and they are missing out on God's best for them. How do I know this? Because I have been guilty of this very thing myself. Scripture says, "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:12 NIV) The Bible is filled with thousands of promises from God to His devoted ones. But they are not automatic. We have to throw off laziness and unbelief, and exercise faith and patience to receive them. And we often need to exercise caution, too, by only sharing our petitions with like-minded believers who will stand in faith with us, instead of discouraging us.

Jesus said, "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29 NIV) What is the Lord challenging YOU to believe Him for today?

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to believe and trust You to work miracles in my life, and in the lives of those around me. Help me to spend regular, quality time in Your presence and Your Word in order to build my faith. Equip me to ignore and resist discouraging speech that I might hear. Thank You that as I refuse to become spiritually lazy, I will inherit the blessings of Your promises!