We should not look for any formula that might guarantee a miraculous response from The Almighty but there are principles we can see in the Biblical record that can help our faith in a miracle working God.

1. Align your heart with a Holy God through forgiveness in Christ. (Joshua 3)
2. God starts with what your felt need and takes you to a richer walk and deeper relationship with Christ. (Mark 10)
3. God works miracles in His time and in His way. (Mark 8)
4. God’s miracles in our life bring glory to Himself and point people to Christ. (John 11)

THESE ARE PRINCIPLES NOT FORMULAS

John 11:1-4 (NIV)  “Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha…   whose brother Lazarus now lay sick...   So the sisters sent word (v3) to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’ When He heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death.   …it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified….’”

The main purpose of a miracle is to point people to the Source of miracles and to bring Him glory. That’s why our motivation for wanting a miracle is important. Why do you want God to do a miracle in your life? Is it because your deepest desire is to see God glorified, or is it more about you than The Lord?

God often has to take us through a waiting period before He gives the answers.  With Mary and Martha, they waited so that God would be glorified in their brother's resurrection. God may sometimes be waiting for our personal character development, and we may never know why answered prayers are delayed, but trusting while we wait is important.

When Jesus was told about the sickness of his friend, Lazarus, He delayed going for a couple of days. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days. Needless to say, Lazarus’ sisters were disappointed with Jesus. Both Martha and Mary made a similar comment: “Lord, if only you had been here my brother would not have died.” (vs.21,32) Here we see their honesty before The Lord in sharing their feelings of frustration but notice, Jesus still performed the miracle that raised their brothet from the dead.

God’s miracles in your life will always bring glory to Himself (v.4) and point people to Christ but we also have permission to bring our needs (v.3) and feeling (v.21) to Him along with our gratitude for His goodness.