Have you seen all the signs, wonders and miracles being accredited to God? Some are outrageous and others are simply beautiful. Some seem to draw us completely into the heart of God and others seem to wow us.

I noticed something as I studied the life of Christ here on earth; all His miracles were acts of provision, healing, direction/instruction or deliverance. I would go so far as to say that they were understated and showed a focus on God.

Let’s list a few signs, wonders and miracles from the Bible:

*Manna from Heaven – Provision
*Fishes and Loaves – Provision
*Lame walking – Healing
*Demons removed from people – Deliverances
*Woman with issue of blood – Healing
*Raising Lazarus and little girl from the dead – Healing
*Getting coin from fish to pay taxes – Provision
*The star that led the wise men to Christ – Direction

I can not think of one time in the Biblical record where Christ or any follower (Old or New Testament) performed a sign, wonder or miracle that did not fit one of these categories.

I believe that this is because these miracles always happened to bring God glory. I would even dare to say that they were matter of fact responses to faith and obedience.

What about some of the signs and wonders we are seeing today? They certainly are getting attention. Who are they giving attention to? Is it glorifying God? Does it line up with the Biblical model of signs, wonders and miracles?

What I am seeing is a large group of believers following after the signs and wonders while expecting that God’s touch will follow. Instead, we should be seeking God and the signs, wonders and miracles will follow as a natural consequence. This seems like such a subtle difference until we see how is draws people’s focus away from God. Anytime we exalt anything over God we are inviting the enemy in.

I believe that signs wonders and miracles are for today. I believe that as citizens of Heaven we have the ability to manifest the power of Christ to do the will of the Father.  But we are also called to be as wise as serpents. (Matthew 10:16)

The scriptures also warn us:  The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2: 9-12 ESV

We need to stay alert and keep our focus on God and not on the works of His hand as wonderful and awe-inspiring as they may be. We must also be sure to keep the Scripture as our guide. If the sign does not line up with the character of God, then we do need to question it and test it’s fruit.