When Your Miracle Doesn’t Come – Part 2

David J. Mullins: Hey, podcast listeners. Thanks for streaming today's podcast from Pathway to Victory. Pathway to Victory is a nonprofit ministry featuring the Bible teaching of Dr. Robert Jefress. Our mission is to pierce the darkness with the light of God's Word through the most effective media available, like this podcast. To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate or follow the link in our show notes. Now, here's today's podcast from Pathway to Victory.
Dr. Robert Jeffress: Hi, this is Robert Jefress, and I'm glad to study God's Word with you every day on this Bible teaching program. On today's edition of Pathway to Victory. We're in a series I called Divine Invasions. It's about miracles. We've talked about the fact that miracles are real. They're not reserved for another time in history. Miracles are for now, for the here and now for us. But today, as we close this series, we're going to look at miracles that never come at all.
David J. Mullins: Welcome to Pathway to Victory with author and pastor Dr. Robert Jefress. When our prayer is gone unanswered, we start to wonder whether God really hears us at all. But when God says no, well, he always has something better in mind. Today on Pathway to Victory, Dr. Robert Jefress shares biblical principles that can steady your heart when the miracle you long for never arrives. But first, let's take a moment to hear some important ministry updates.
Dr. Robert Jeffress: Thanks, David, and welcome again to Pathway to Victory. Well, we've come to the final day of our seven-part series Divine Invasions. Over these past weeks, we've explored a life-changing truth that God still breaks into our ordinary world with his extraordinary power. We've seen his miracles of provision, his miracles of protection, his miracles of healing. We've learned to tell the genuine from the counterfeit. And now we arrive at the tenderest question of all. What do you do when your miracle doesn't come? Today I'll share five biblical principles to anchor you in exactly those moments. Before we begin, let me encourage you to request my brand new book Divine Invasions. When you give a generous gift to support Pathway to Victory, I'll send it to you along with a set of eight Divine Invasions encouragement cards that features Bible verses you can keep close and share with someone who needs hope. And later on, David will describe how to receive a personal and group study guide for Divine Invasions. Friend, let me say this plainly. Your partnership is what makes Pathway to Victory possible. When you stand with us, you empower us to proclaim biblical hope to a world in desperate need of divine intervention. At the end of my message, I'm going to tell you a story of life change that will encourage you. Plus, I'm going to answer a question I received from a listener. But right now, it's time for the message I've titled When your miracle doesn't come. Today we're going to talk about five biblical principles for what to do when your miracle doesn't come. And the first principle, the foundational one is this. Rest in God's grace. Remember to rest in God's grace. Saturate yourself in the promise of God's grace. Secondly, learn to wait for God's timing. Why does he make us wait? Sometimes that wait is for a test to see what is really in our heart. You see a great illustration of that in Exodus 15. Remember when God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, but one of their first stops was to get water. You need water in the wilderness, in the hot wilderness. So they stopped at Marah, and the water at Marah was bitter. It was bitter water. And what did they do? They began to grumble. They began to complain to God and to Moses about their situation. God was testing them, and he gave them a giant F on that test. It didn't stand for faith either. They were lacking in faith. And many times we have to go through a waiting time before God intervenes in our life so that God can test our faith. Maybe you've experienced that before. You have an illness, a sickness in your life or the life of a loved one. It seems to be incurable. And then the doctor says there's a new medication that's just been released and approved. Try it out, and you begin to take that new treatment, that new medication, and it begins to have positive results until it doesn't and it stops working. You are filled with hope, and those hopes are crushed. Why does God do that? Is he being cruel with his creatures? No. 1 John 4:8 tells us God is love. The point is many times he's working in our life, in other people's lives when we can't see him working, but he's working. And what I found out is that God is an ultimate multitasker. He can do more than one thing at a time. While he's working in your life, he's working in somebody else's life you don't even know yet to bring you together for your lives to intersect at just the right time. As somebody said, even when we can't see God's hand, we can trust God's heart. And that's why we need to learn to trust God's timing when our miracle doesn't come. Thirdly, adjust your attitude when your miracle doesn't come. Specifically, abandon bitterness and embrace joy. Count it as joy when your miracle doesn't come. That's what James 1:2 says. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter literally when you're ambushed by various trials. That word consider, hageomai, means to lead, to control. What James is saying is have as your controlling emotion when you're suffering, when you're going through a trial, make that controlling emotion joy. What is joy? It's not giddiness. It's not a superficial happiness. Joy is the assurance that God is working in your life. And he says when you're going through a trial, have that assurance be your leading emotion. You may have fear, you may have disappointment. That's okay, but let the controlling leading emotion be joy, the assurance that God is at work in your life. Now, how do you do that? It's not something you conjure up. It's not something that is fake. The only way to understand James 1:2 is to connect it to James 1:3, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. In other words, knowing that your trial, your unanswered prayer request is actually being used by God for a positive purpose in your life. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, strength. Remember the greatest promise in the Bible, Romans 8:28, and we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love him, to those who are called according to his purpose. But you can't take that by itself. For that verse to have meaning, you've got to connect it to the next verse, verse 29. What is the good God is causing all things in your life to work together for? That good is not a full bank account. It's not a disease-free life. It 's not a happy marriage. The good God is working in your life is to shape you into the image of Jesus. Verse 29, For whom God foreknew, he predestined to be conformed to the image of his son. God is using the hard things, the difficult things, the disappointments in your life to mold you into the image of Christ. I quoted often, but it's so true. A. W. Tozer says a sculptor does not use a manicure set to reduce the rude unshapely marble into a thing of beauty. It's the saw, it's the hammer, it's the chisel that are the cruel tools that God uses. But without them, the rough stone must remain forever formless and unbeautiful. Adjust your attitude, abandon bitterness, embrace joy, knowing that God is using that disappointment of unanswered prayer to shape you into the image of his son. Number four. When God doesn't bring that miracle, maintain your perspective. You know, the Bible never diminishes the reality of suffering that we go through, but the Bible urges us to keep that suffering in perspective. And that's what Paul does so beautifully in 2 Corinthians 4:17. Look at it with me. Paul wrote, For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. Notice the two words that will help you keep your suffering in perspective. Number one, momentary. Now, this will be hard to do if you have a cell phone. Nothing wrong with cell phones, but if you have a Bible in print, I want you to circle the word momentary. And then I want you to circle the word eternal. And draw a line connecting the words momentary, eternal. Paul says that our suffering is momentary. You say momentary? I've been dealing with this for years. I've been dealing with this hard relationship or this disease for decades. What does Paul mean it's momentary? Momentary is a comparative word. It's momentary compared to eternity. Compared to eternity, the length of your suffering is momentary. How long is eternity? Did you ever think about eternity? We're going to be in heaven for eternity. Forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is eternity? Somebody illustrated it this way. Just imagine a bird that comes once every million years to sharpen its beak on the top of Mount Everest. Comes, rubs its beak, flies away, doesn't come back for another million years, rubs its beak on the mountain, and then he goes away. By the time that bird has reduced Mount Everest to nothing but a pebble, the time it takes to do that, by the time that time has elapsed, eternity will have only just begun. That's how long eternity is. Whatever affliction you're going through right now, it's momentary compared to eternity. And secondly, Paul says it's light. It's light. Your affliction, no matter how severe it is, is light. Now, this is where we say there has to be a mistake in the Bible. Paul doesn't know what he's talking about. If Paul had what I had, if Paul was going through what I'm going through, he wouldn't say it's light. Paul had some pretty heavy duty suffering. Think about him. He was rejected by his friends. He was in prison three times. He was beaten within an inch of his life. He ultimately was beheaded, but he said what I've gone through is light. Compared to what? Again, compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. I mean, think about a 2-ton boulder. A boulder 2 tons, is it light or heavy? Well, compared to a feather, a 2-ton boulder is heavy. But compared to a 787 jet liner that weighs 260 tons, that 2-ton boulder is light. Now, that's the comparison Paul is making. Yes, your hurt, your suffering may seem unbearable, but compared to the glory God has planned for you in heaven, it's really light. Somebody said it this way. From the perspective of heaven, when we look back one day from heaven on all of our horrors and sufferings and disappointments and hurts, all of those things together will be seen as nothing more than a one-night stay in a bad motel. That's what the Bible is saying. Our momentary light afflictions are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. One day, God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there'll no longer be any death or mourning or crying or pain, for the first things will have passed away. Finally, what do we do when our miracles don't come? Develop a ministry-focused life. Develop or maintain a ministry-focused life. This is something that most people miss. My friend Bob Beel has a great saying. He says every life exists for one of two purposes, either to fill a greed or to meet a need. In other words, our life is either about ourselves or it's about other people. It can't be both. The Bible says if you are a Christian, you've been called to a ministry. In 1 Peter 2:9, Paul is describing the church. And he says, you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood. Do you know everybody in this room is a priest? Your job as a Christian is to represent people to God. That's what a priest did. He prayed for the people to God, but he also represents God to other people. You are a minister. You've been called to represent God to other people, especially the hurting people. Look at 2 Corinthians 1 verses 3 to 4. When I talk to somebody who's disappointed in God, a person who has no reason, he thinks to rejoice in suffering, I remind them of 2 Corinthians 1:3 to 4. This is a great passage to memorize and to remember when you're going through suffering. Paul writes, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our affliction. Now, that word comfort is kind of a weak word, we think. Empathize, sympathize. But that's not what the word means here. The word means strength. Comfort means strength. The way you could read this is, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of mercies, the God of all strength, who strengthens us in our affliction so that we might feel better. No. So that we will be able to strengthen those who are in any affliction with the strength with which ourselves are strengthened by God. In other words, Paul is saying, one reason God allows us to go through affliction is so that we can be strengthened by God and that we can share that same strength we received with others who are being tested in a similar way. For example, if somebody comes to me and they say we just lost a child to death, I can empathize with that. I 'm a father, but having never lost a child in death, I can't understand exactly what they're experiencing. The only ones who can really understand and help are those who have been through a similar experience. I can talk to somebody who's addicted, has a destroying addiction in their life. I can share some principles of scripture, but I can't really help them the way somebody who continues to battle addiction, who continues to rely on the Lord for strength. I can't help them the way that person can. One reason God allows you to go through suffering and unanswered prayer is so that you can strengthen others with the same strength that God has given to you. Develop, maintain that ministry mindset. The fact is God has not promised a miracle for everyone at every time to meet their every need. It's interesting that in Hebrews chapter 11, there's a roll call, a list of people who had been chosen by God, who went through intense suffering and they actually died without ever receiving the promised miracle they deserved. Listen to Hebrews 11 verses 37 to 40. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, men of whom the world was not worthy, wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all of these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised because God has provided something better. What is that something better that awaited those Old Testament saints? It was to be with Jesus Christ, to be in the new heaven in the new earth, to enjoy that relationship with God forever. And so it is with everyone of us. Miracles delayed do not mean miracles denied. One day, one day, when we're with Jesus Christ in heaven, every miracle, every desire we've ever had, ever long for will be met and we'll experience the ultimate divine invasion. I came across this week a great story that illustrates that better than anything I've read in a long time. And the best part of this story is that it's true. Listen to this. Swan Quarter, North Carolina is an area that's prone to flooding, especially when a hurricane blows through. That's why members of the Methodist Episcopal Church approached Sam Sadler about purchasing a lie high-lying lot he owned in the center for their new sanctuary. He told them no. And then he added it would take a miracle for him to sell his lot to the church. Disappointed, the congregation continued to look for a place to build. One day, James Hayes knocked on their door. He had a lot that he said he would gift to the congregation. It wasn't in the center of town like Sadler's property, but it was close by. It wasn't a prime location, but it was free. So the congregation praised God and began construction starting with brick piers on which they built a modest wooden sanctuary. On September 16th, 1876, on the eve of dedicating their new church building, a storm blew in off the North Carolina coast. The wind whipped, the rain poured, and the surf crashed on the beaches. As the day wore on, the wind became even stronger, the rain became heavier, and the surf became rougher. The storm intensified overnight. By the dawn of September 17th, dedication day, a tidal surge had reached Swan Quarter. Creeks overflowed their banks, and the little Methodist Church building became unmoored from its brick pylons, and it floated away. The wooden sanctuary drifted down Oyster Creek Road, bumped into George Creedle's general store, took a sharp right turn and headed down Main Street for two blocks until it reached Church Street where it turned left, crossed the Carrawane Canal, and came to rest on some high ground right in the middle of Sam Sadler's property. The water had barely subsided from Swan Quarter when Mr. Sadler sold the lot to the congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which they renamed Providence Methodist Church. The church, as the marker says on it, was quote moved by the hand of God. Isn't that a great story? In spite of their disappointment of not getting the property they thought they needed, in spite of that threat to their church that threatened the existence of their church, God used all of those things to move that church to exactly where he wanted it to be. And God's doing the same thing in your life. He's doing the same thing in my life. Every triumph as well as every tragedy, every victory as well as every defeat, every miracle that comes along with every miracle that doesn't come are all being used by God to move you to where he wants you to be. Do you want to be moved by the hand of God? Would you like God to move you from a life of shame and loneliness to a life of forgiveness and a perfect relationship with God? Would you like God to move you from a road that is leading further and further away from God to that road that leads you to God and to heaven? For you to have a divine invasion in your life, you need to first of all accept God's great invitation in your life. He promises in Romans 10:9, if we will confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God has raised him from the dead, we will be saved. And God will begin working in your life in ways you cannot possibly 1 imagine. That's the divine invitation we all need to accept to experience those divine invasions. That concludes our series on miracles. I hope it's changed your perspective on God's divine provision and helped reach people who need to hear biblical truth. For example, let me tell you about Jeffrey. Years ago, he was a Satanist who played in a death metal band. And then, as he tells it, God hit him like a lightning bolt. Suddenly, in the middle of all his chaos, he had peace. He knew that God loved him, and that changed everything. Jeffrey trusted Christ, and he's never looked back. Today he shares his testimony openly. He leads a Bible study at his workplace. That's what your partnership makes possible. When you support Pathway to Victory, you're not funding a broadcast. You're reaching the next Jeffrey. Every day, this program enters homes where despair has settled in, and God's Word invades those places with light and truth and life. So as this teaching series on miracles comes to a close, let me ask you one more time to stand with me. Give your generous gift today and I'll send you my book Divine Invasions with my profound thanks for your partnership. And then I want to invite you to stay with us for a special Ask Dr. Jefress feature at the end of today's program. Here's the question I'll be answering sent in by one of our listeners. When God answers a prayer, how do you tell the difference between a genuine miracle and a simple coincidence? Be sure to stay tuned to the end of today's broadcast. Here's David with all the details.
David J. Mullins: You're invited to request a hard cover copy of Dr. Jefress's brand new book Divine Invasions when you give a generous gift to support the ministry of Pathway to Victory. Just call 866-999-2965. Visit ptv.org or text PTV to 78800. And when your gift is $100 or more, we'll also send you in addition to the book this month's teaching series on audio and video disc along with the companion study guide. To request these resources, call 866-999-2965 or make your request online at ptv.org. You could write to us if you'd like, PO Box 223609, Dallas, Texas 75222. That's PO Box 223609, Dallas, Texas 75222. And now it's time for a special edition of Ask Dr. Jefress. Dr. Jefress stopped by the studio recently to answer a question from one of our listeners. How can you tell the difference between a miracle and a coincidence?
Dr. Robert Jeffress: Well, James said every good gift comes from God. So whether it seems like something that is natural, whether it's something that comes through a doctor or through medicine, I mean, it's still ultimately a miracle. But when we are sick, we ought to pray. And God may send healing through any different uh sources of healing, doctors, medicine, whatever, but we ought to pray.
David J. Mullins: Thanks, Dr. Jefress. I'm David J. Mullins. It's disappointing when a prayer goes unanswered, but there's one request that God responds to every single time by saying yes. Discover the one prayer God always answers when you join us Friday for Pathway to Victory. Pathway to Victory with Dr. Robert Jefress comes from the pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas. The apostle Paul sailed these waters, walked these streets, and the church was never the same.
Dr. Robert Jeffress: I'm inviting you to follow in Paul's footsteps on the Pathway to Victory Journeys of Paul Cruise through the stunning Greek islands into ancient Ephesus and many other destinations as well. This is purposeful travel at its finest.
David J. Mullins: Set sail May 14, 2027. Call 888-280-6747 or visit ptv.org. You made it to the end of today's podcast from Pathway to Victory, and we're so glad you're here. Pathway to Victory relies on the generosity of loyal listeners like you to make this podcast possible. One of the most impactful ways you can give is by becoming a Pathway partner. Your monthly gift will empower Pathway to Victory to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and help others become rooted more firmly in his Word. To become a Pathway partner, go to ptv.org/donate or you can follow the link in our show notes. We hope you've been blessed by today's podcast from Pathway to Victory. Oh, and one last thing before we go, don't forget to reserve your spot on the 2027 Journeys of Paul Mediterranean Cruise. Now, you've heard me and Dr. Jefress talk about this Bible conference at sea and cabins. Well, they're going quickly. Just picture yourself aboard the beautiful Celebrity Infinity sailing round trip from Athens. Now, each day you'll gather for biblical teaching, worship, and fellowship, and then you'll step ashore to stand where Paul stood in Ephesus and walk the streets of Thessaloniki where his letters still speak to the church today. Nine unforgettable nights with more biblical destinations along the way. Every meal prepared, every detail taken care of, plus the joy of traveling with like-minded believers. There's also an optional pre-cruise extension in Athens. To book your spot, go to ptv.org.