Miracles by Eric Metaxas

a rare quiet afternoon reading a thought-provoking book

          As a fierce skeptic of modern day miracles, you'd think this would not be a book for me. The Holy Spirit has been opening my eyes as of late to the world which we do not always see. 
         Having read Bonhoeffer and Amazing Grace and seen Socrates in the City broadcasts and events such as the Presidents' prayer breakfast, I have formed a respect for the author, Eric Metaxas. Yes, even after catching him on "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld" a time or two. I was curious to read what he may write on the subject. 
         It was not what I was expecting, though I'm not sure what that was. The apologetics aspect was a welcome surprise, though I know there will be some debate about the age of the Earth, etc. But the evidence of our Creator is humbling. Metaxas also does a good job with defining miracles and what the purpose for them is, namely, pointing to their source. The most impactful section of the book for me was "The Biblical Miracles". It shone a light on Jesus in a powerful way for me.The "why" behind his doing them. His humanity, love, compassion, and graciousness. Something shifted in my heart. I love that God is always revealing himself anew, even after 38 years of my life here. 
        I'll admit that I struggled with "A Watch Stops". I still do. It's a reaction to anything to do with Benny Hinn. I was so troubled that I put the book down for several days after having devoured it up to that point. But wrestling is not bad. We have to be measured and discerning, but take in the bigger picture. Do I really believe that God works even around people whom I believe to be hucksters? Hmm. I'm still wrestling. Keeps me seeking to know God more deeply. 
       There is so much more to mull over, pray on, research, and dicuss in this book. I believe that's the point.

                    From @EricMetaxas on Twitter,
                   My @MiraclesTheBook isn't about winning an argument about God. It's about beginning a conversation about God -- one we're not having enough.  
           
          Now, being one who connected with Mr. Metaxas's statement  in the chapter, "USS Washington, June 1940", that "the idea that some things are so sacred they cannot bear unveiling" I am wont to share many truly personal things. But reading this book, as a cynic, brought remembrance of experiences that I have personally had and not shared. One of those follows.
                   "..he is such a big God that he can afford to deal with us on an intimate level,to encourage us and to wink at us and to hold our hand when we need him to do that." Miracles chapter 13, page 257
           As a seventeen year old, I had reached what I thought to be the absolute bottom of despair. Some pretty devastating things had transpired that I won't go into here. I was alone at night in my room sitting on my bed, absolutely gutted. Tears were flowing down the cheeks of a girl who cried maybe once up to that point(very british dna, you know). I really had no desire to ever walk out of that room again. I quite literally felt a set of warm arms wrap around me and hold me. God, in his love and mercy, knew what I needed and reached in to comfort me. 
           Miracles covers a lot of ground and touches on measuring miracles, questioning them, conversions, faith, the character of God, our relationship with and view of Him. I need to read it a second time. I appreciate that it has caused me to turn to scripture with renewed vigor and start a dialogue about the enormous power of my Creator. I am now expecting to see Him at work, rather than be surprised by it. Get a copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble and we'll start a discussion. 
           Disclosure. As part of the Miracles launch team, I received a free copy with no strings attached except a promise to honestly review it.