Faith: The Key to Experiencing God's Miracles

Today, we gathered with gratitude for God’s presence and faithfulness, celebrating the miracles He has done and continues to do among us. As we begin a new series focused on the healing miracles of Jesus, we’re reminded that His miracles weren’t limited to physical healing—He brought deliverance, provision, resurrection, and transformation in every area of life. The Gospels record many of these miracles, but Scripture tells us that Jesus did far more than could ever be written down. What’s more, He intends for His miraculous power to flow through us, His followers, today.

The foundation for experiencing God’s miracles is faith. Faith is not something we muster up by sheer willpower or emotion; it is a gift from God, a divine persuasion planted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Faith begins with God, not with us. It is not about how hard we believe, but about receiving and responding to what God has already given. Faith is not a fleeting feeling, but a steady faithfulness—an ongoing trust and obedience to God, even when we don’t see the outcome we desire.

Throughout Scripture, we see that faith is the key ingredient in every miracle. Yet, faith is not attached to a specific outcome; it is attached to a Person—Jesus. Whether or not we see the miracle we hope for, our faith remains anchored in the character and goodness of God. Sometimes, God’s answer is different than what we expect, but He always does the right thing. Our faith is strengthened as we hear God’s Word, share stories of His faithfulness, and step out in obedience, even when it feels risky or costly.

We are challenged to guard against familiarity, which can close the door to the miraculous. When we become too accustomed to God’s presence or the routines of church, we risk losing our sense of awe and expectation. Instead, we are invited to see every aspect of our lives—our church, our families, our very breath—as miracles, and to approach God with fresh faith and wonder. As we move forward, let’s actively build our faith, make room for God to move, and believe Him for miracles in every area of our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith Begins with God, Not Us Faith is not something we generate by trying harder or thinking more positively. It originates with God, who graciously gives each of us a measure of faith. Our role is to receive this gift, recognizing that faith is a divine persuasion, not a human achievement. This truth frees us from striving and invites us to rest in God’s initiative and generosity. [14:12]
• 2. Faithfulness Over Feelings True faith is not rooted in fleeting emotions or mental effort, but in steadfast faithfulness to God. It is a commitment to trust, obey, and seek God above all else, even in our weakest moments. Faithfulness means holding on to God’s promises and character, regardless of our circumstances or the outcomes we see. [16:31]
• 3. Faith Anchors Us to Jesus, Not Outcomes Our faith is not attached to whether or not we receive the miracle we desire; it is anchored in the person of Jesus. He is the prize, the source, and the goal of our faith. Even when we face disappointment or unanswered prayers, we can trust that God always does the right thing, and our faith remains secure in Him. [20:41]
• 4. Active Faith Opens the Door to Miracles Faith is not passive; it is active and participatory. It involves obedience, trust, risk, generosity, and declaration. Like Abraham, Noah, and the widow of Zarephath, we are called to act on God’s Word, even when it seems foolish or costly. Active faith makes room for God to move powerfully in our lives. [23:19]
• 5. Familiarity Closes the Door to the Miraculous Becoming too familiar with God, His works, or the routines of faith can breed complacency and limit our expectation for miracles. We must intentionally reject the attitude of “isn’t this just…?” and instead cultivate awe and wonder at God’s presence and power. By doing so, we keep our hearts open to the new and miraculous things God wants to do.
  
  ** [27:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:52] - Introducing the Series: “I’ve Witnessed It”
• [03:10] - The Many Types of Jesus’ Miracles
• [06:19] - Miracles Beyond the Written Record
• [07:21] - Jesus’ Call to Greater Works
• [09:02] - Wrestling with Unanswered Prayers
• [10:25] - The Key Ingredient: Faith
• [11:27] - The Context of Hebrews and True Faith
• [13:04] - Faith Is Based on What We Hear
• [14:12] - Faith Starts with God, Not Us
• [16:31] - Faithfulness, Not Feelings
• [18:07] - The Hall of Faith: Faith in Suffering
• [19:25] - Faith Is Not Attached to Outcomes
• [20:41] - Faith Anchored in Jesus
• [22:06] - Building and Strengthening Faith
• [23:19] - Active Faith and Making Room for Miracles
• [25:23] - Faith in Generosity and Provision
• [26:46] - The Danger of Familiarity
• [27:33] - Rejecting Complacency, Embracing Wonder
• [30:20] - Seeing Everyday Miracles
• [31:51] - Prayer for Fresh Faith
• [34:31] - Responding in Faith to Jesus

1. According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith defined? What two things does faith give us regarding what we hope for and what we do not see?
2. In Romans 10:17, where does faith come from, and what is the role of hearing in this process?
3. In John 14:12-14, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him, and what is the purpose of these promises?
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus was unable to perform miracles in His hometown because of familiarity. What attitude did the people have that closed the door to the miraculous? ([26:46])

1. The sermon says, “Faith starts with God, not us.” What does it mean that faith is a gift and not something we can create by trying harder? How does this change the way we approach God? ([14:12])
2. The pastor described faith as “faithfulness, not a feeling.” Why is it important to distinguish between faith as a steady trust and faith as an emotion? How might this help someone who feels weak or discouraged? ([16:31])
3. The message emphasized that “faith is not attached to an outcome; it is attached to a Person—Jesus.” How does this perspective help us deal with disappointment or unanswered prayers? ([20:41])
4. The sermon warns that “familiarity closes the door to the miraculous.” Why do you think becoming too familiar with God or church routines can limit our expectation for miracles? ([27:33])

1. The pastor said, “Faith is a gift from God, not something we muster up.” Are there areas in your life where you’ve been striving to “have more faith” by your own effort? What would it look like to simply receive faith as a gift from God this week? ([14:12])
2. Think about a time when you felt your faith was weak because you didn’t “feel” close to God. How can you practice faithfulness—trusting and obeying God—even when your emotions don’t line up? ([16:31])
3. Is there a specific prayer or miracle you’ve been waiting for that hasn’t happened yet? How can you anchor your faith in Jesus Himself, rather than in a particular outcome? ([20:41])
4. The sermon challenged us to “make room for God to move” by stepping out in active faith. What is one practical step of obedience, risk, or generosity you feel God is prompting you to take right now? ([23:19])
5. The message warned about the danger of familiarity—treating God, church, or even your family as “just ordinary.” Where have you become too familiar or complacent? What is one way you can intentionally cultivate awe and wonder for God this week? ([27:33])
6. The pastor encouraged us to see everyday things—our church, our families, even our breath—as miracles. What is one “ordinary” area of your life where you want to ask God to open your eyes to His miraculous work? ([30:20])
7. The sermon said, “Faith always opens the door and makes room for the miracle.” What is one area of your life where you need to open the door for God to move? How can the group pray with you for this? ([23:19])