BoldBelief Devotional

Faith’s Role in Miracles

Add comment2 days ago3 min readby Paul Natekin

#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin

Key Bible Verse:

“And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.” — Mark 6:5-6 (ESV)

Have you ever wondered why some prayers seem unanswered, or why miracles appear scarce in certain situations? It’s a common struggle that can lead us to question our faith. Let’s dive into what happened in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth and see how it applies to our lives today.

Apologetic Insight:

(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.

In Mark 6:4-5, Jesus faced rejection in His own hometown, where people’s unbelief limited the miracles He performed. As William Lane Craig explains, “Miracles are not mere displays of power but are signs pointing to the truth of the Gospel.” This perspective helps us understand that Jesus chose not to perform miracles in Nazareth because the people had already rejected Him. Their hardness of heart closed them off from experiencing the full revelation of God’s grace.

C.S. Lewis further emphasizes this point: “Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.” The people of Nazareth missed the larger story because they were too focused on their preconceived notions.

Encouragement & Application:

Remember, your faith is a vital part of your relationship with God. While unbelief can hinder the experience of God’s grace, it doesn’t limit His power. Instead, it’s an invitation to seek Him more deeply. Take time to pray, read Scripture, and surround yourself with a community that encourages your faith journey.

Reflection Questions:

How might your faith or lack thereof influence your experience of God’s grace?
What steps can you take to nurture a more open and trusting heart toward Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord, help us to overcome any unbelief in our hearts. Open our eyes to see Your miracles and grace at work in our lives. Strengthen our faith so that we may fully experience Your love and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.