The book of John focuses on seven of Jesus’ miracles, and a careful study of each can provide us with principles of encouragement.
Disappointments? Remember when Jesus addressed an embarrassing moment, turning the water into wine? (John 2:1–11). He is still the One we can turn to when life turns on us. With Paul we say, “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17).
Doubts? Remember when He healed a boy from afar and told his daddy to return home, and the father went without question? (John 4:46–54). He is still the One in whom we place our faith and our dreams: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Disabilities? Remember when He healed a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years? (John 5:2–9). By His loving providence, we can still “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10; cf. Philippians 4:13).
Desires? Remember when He fed five thousand with a sack lunch? (John 6:1–14). He still meets the desires of those who cry, “For to me, to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).
Despair? Remember when He reached out for Peter? (Matthew 14:25–32). Are we not thankful that His hand extends to us with the promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”? (Hebrews 13:5).
Darkness? Remember when He gave sight to a blind man? (John 9:1–11).But wait! To a man stumbling in the wretched darkness of Satan, He is still “the light of the world” (John 8:12).
Death? Remember when He stood outside the tomb of a friend, cried, and said, “Lazarus, come forth”? (John 11:1–44). Better still, there will come a day “in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth” (John 5:28–29).
He is “Jesus” (literally, “He who saves”), a man of miracles. But, even more, since He touches our own lives in so many marvelous ways, we are blessed to call Him, “My Lord and My God” (John 20:28). —Dan Winkler
