“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (RSV)
This is one of my favorite scripture verses, because it answers any and all complaints regarding scriptures that we may find disturbing to read. It’s basically telling us that every scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof and correction.
I used to become disgusted in reading a few bible stories about incest in the Old Testament, but I learned that whether it disturbs us, or not, all scripture is profitable for teaching and correction, to equip us for every good work, as today’s scripture confirms.
I’ve met people who are disturbed by the miracles that seem to defy all common logic, but even if someone doesn’t believe that those miracles literally took place, the story still serves a purpose and inspires us to grow in faith. Every story in scripture has something to teach, correct or inspire in us, with the end goal of bringing us closer to God.
Common logic would find it hard to accept that Sarah gave birth at the age of 90. God did the impossible for her, and whether a reader takes that particular story literally or not, it is still a lesson for readers to trust God with the seemingly impossible situation in their life.
God gives us numerous miracle stories in scripture that helps us to reach beyond the limitations of our logic. Instead of getting hung up on how something could have happened, it can inspire our faith to trust God in a way we never have before.
Historians tell us that there was a shorter, more direct route to the promised land from Egypt, after the exodus. Common logic would have taken the shorter route, but God had His reasons for leading them by the longer route. The shorter route would have led them through the coastal land of the Philistines, who were hostile towards the Israelites. Maybe God chose the longer route for them, to avoid conflicts with the Philistines, which His people were not prepared for. Then He parted the sea to show the following generations how much God cares for us.
He knows what we can handle as well as what we need. We may not always understand the reasons for the long, difficult route we are on, but after all the twists and turns of our lives, God has always been looking out for our eternal good.
There are numerous stories in scripture, where God made requests of people that could be considered “illogical”. He brought down the fortified walls of Jericho, not by their use of weapons, but by marching around the city, blowing trumpets, and giving a victory shout. That was when the walls crumbled into the ground. It teaches us that God’s ways exceed our ways when we trust in Him.
Naaman, a proud military general, asked the prophet Elijah to pray for him to be healed of leprosy. God told Elijah to have Naaman dip himself seven times in the Jordan river. Naaman got a little angry in hearing that strange and illogical advice, but once he did it, he was healed of leprosy.
God speaks to our spirit through scripture, by showing us how He helped others, to help us put away our pride and raise our expectations to trust Him for miracles.
I know of a man who had permanent nerve injury and a paralyzed arm when his nerves were accidentally severed, after a surgery to remove a tumor located between his neck and shoulder. He went through months of physical therapy, with no improvements.
He maintained a faith filled attitude, and never had any bitterness or anger towards medical personnel. He heard about a healing mass, led by a priest who had a gift of healing. He went to the mass, was prayed for and was miraculously healed. He now has full use of the arm which was once completely paralyzed. When his physical therapist saw him move his arm after being healed, she just wept, which gave him an opportunity to share his faith with her. It’s an amazing example of how God never changes. He is still doing miracles that transcends all logic.
We probably need to remind ourselves, which I need more than anyone, that God exceeds all the limitations of logic. I saw so many brain injured people over the years, working in a Neuroscience department of a hospital. Maybe that’s why it’s hard for me to believe that my son’s brain injury can be healed, but reading the miracle stories in scripture, gives me hope.
God’s ways are above our ways, and His plans and purposes are beyond ours. The stories in the bible are there for a purpose, to inspire us to place our hope in a God who still heals, delivers, and saves us beyond all logical expectations.
Lord, forgive us for any unbelief and help us to believe for the things that seem impossible, and thank you for continuing to do miracles in many people’s lives today. Amen
