Manifestations of Spiritual Gifts
I have recently been involved in a "study" (it seemed more a debate and I withdrew for the moment) regarding the gifts/sign-gifts of the Apostles and how they may or may not be valid today. Since withdrawing from that study, I have found much support in scripture to the validity of "miracles" today. Just this morning in 1 Cor where Paul discussed his "thorn" spoke of God's will to heal or not. My understanding has been that healing, along with other signs and gifts is still valid today, but, as with anything of God, is according to his will, and not only of our faith. Paul had faith, to the degree that God took him to the third heaven. Some have tried to pursuade me that all signs, miracles, etc., ended with the apostles.
My request to any who read this is, how are we to respond to those who have been taught and attempt to adhere to these teachings? I say attempt because of the double-speak I experienced, while putting forth scripture to validate that God can, will, and does desire to give healing (other than spiritual via salvation) to some for the purpose of demonstrating his power to the end of the age. I know He has healed today because He has healed or "delivered" me from many affictions, as well as others who have testified. It is on that basis that I stand firm.
Miracles
Beautiful explanation Maria! If we pray according to G-d's will, our prayers are always answered because we do not ask amiss, but delight ourselves in the LORD, so just as with the LORD, our meat is to do the will of the Father and not our own will. We surrender that will and lay it aside for His glory.
Miracles DO happen everyday. I was bedfast from my 24th week of pregnancy with my daughter and she was born 10 weeks early and weighed 2 lbs. Doctors attempted to persuade me to terminate the pregancy, claiming that my little girl had leukemia, downs, and a host of other maladies. The faith to say "NO SHE DOESN'T" came from a well that I did not dig or even realize was there. G-d, in His mercy, gave the faith for His glory. Just as the man who was ill for 38 years for that one moment of the LORD's touch, and the man born blind who was not so because of anyone's sin, but that G-d may receive glory. My daughter is now a very healthy teenager with no medical problems whatsoever! Glory to G-d!
Almost four years ago now my 20 year old daughter, 22 year old son-in-law, 3 year old grandson, and 10 month granddaughter were killed in a house fire while I stood in the yard watching them being carried out. G-d alone gave the grace to say then and there "The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD!" I waited to see if G-d would resurrect them, and knew that He could just as He did Dorcas, Lazarus, the only son of his mother as they were carrying him out to bury him, and all the rest, even though, being dead, their faith could not save them or enter into the equation. My children were not resurrected, but even though they left a huge void, it's okay because it is Father's will. People asked me how I could keep going after that. G-d gave me to say "I cannot, so you know without doubt that every step I take is of G-d and Him alone."
Paul found contentment in all things and situations because he did not frustrate the grace of G-d. He knew that all things were G-d's perfect will, and he found rest in that. There is great rest to be found in G-d's sovereignty. All suffer, but our great G-d always gives grace to not only get through it, but to give Him glory in it. Thank G-d for these discussions where the miracles of G-d can still be read about and told. What a blessing!!!
May the LORD shine His face upon you and give you peace.