Christmastime is often called the "Season of Miracles" because of the miraculous birth of our Lord Jesus Christ that we celebrate every year at this time. It is also the time of year when we are most likely to come across sermons and teachings encouraging us to pray bigger and bolder prayers, with a greater sense of expectation.

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, the mother of Jesus, to announce to her that she would give birth to the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, Gabriel declared, "For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment." (Luke 1:37 AMP) One of the most powerful principles contained in this Scripture is that when we pray God's promises in faith, we can witness Him moving heaven and earth to fulfill that promise, even if it seems "impossible" to us or others. I have seen this happen in my own life and family many times, and it has encouraged me to pray God's promises on a daily basis, even when the odds are vastly against them coming to pass.

In this same biblical passage, we see that the quality of our faith in the Word of God is a main factor in receiving the promises we pray: "You are blessed because you BELIEVED that the Lord would do what He said." (Luke 1:45 NLT) When we desire to lay hold of a promise of God for ourselves or others, we must ask ourselves if we really believe that He is willing and able to fulfill His Word as a result of our petitions. Does that mean our faith has to be absolutely perfect? No. There may be times when we doubt, but then we can declare in all sincerity of heart - "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24 NIV) Then, the Holy Spirit will help us to get right back to believing.

I remember a time when I prayed for a miracle for a family member that I was sure would come to pass during one particular Christmas season. It didn't happen, and I confess that my faith was shaken for a time. Then I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that I had planted seeds of faith during that Christmastime that would bring a harvest of blessings and breakthroughs in the days ahead. One month later, God birthed a miracle that I knew might never have happened if I hadn't released my faith during that previous Christmas season.

If you don't receive your miracle before the end of this year, remember this: "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive ALL that He has promised." (Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT) A blessed Christmas season to you and yours!

Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me to cooperate with You for the growing of my faith in You and Your Word. Make me sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit's leading so that I will always pray and stand on the promises that are Your will for me and mine. When doubts come, help me not to cast away my confidence in You and Your miracle-working power. Today, I thank You in advance for all of the blessings and breakthroughs that will be mine in the days ahead!