Understanding Miracles: A Deeper Look
What Exactly is a Miracle?
Many of us think of miracles as supernatural events—like the sun disappearing in the middle of the day or the parting of the sea. These are the types of miracles we learn about in childhood through biblical stories. But the concept of miracles is far more complex and profound than just suspensions of nature.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you hoped, prayed, or even wished for a miracle? Perhaps someone was gravely ill, or you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. It’s in these moments of desperation or deep need that we often look to the heavens for intervention. But what exactly is a miracle, and can we control or initiate them in our lives?
Before we answer that, we need to understand and dissect the anatomy of a miracle. You might be surprised by some of the insights shared here.
The Nature of Miracles
Most people think of miracles in the literal sense, harking back to biblical times—the miracles of the flood, the parting of the sea, and the plagues in Egypt. These events are clearly the hand of God. However, a miracle is much more than just a suspension of nature.
Miracles in Daily Life
Consider the miracle of life itself—the birth of a child. I recall a conversation with an obstetrician who described his work as witnessing a miracle on a daily basis. He shared the contrast he felt: in the quiet room where a child is being born, the greatest miracle of all is taking place, while outside, life rushes by, often oblivious to such wonders.
The Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov
The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, explained that the difference between a miracle and a natural event is simply frequency. If the sun were to rise once in our lifetimes, we’d all rush to witness it. But because it happens every day, we take it for granted, seeking excitement in other forms. Thus, nature is essentially a series of miracles occurring so frequently that we become desensitized to them.
Creating Miracles in Our Lives
Now, how do we create miracles in our lives? The first step is to recognize that miracles are happening all around us. It’s more about awareness than creation. Once you become aware, you can actually create more miracles.
The Mystics’ View
Mystics explain that all of existence is an outer layer concealing tremendous energy. This energy is constantly pulsating beneath the surface. When you access these deeper forces, you’re essentially accessing the miracle of existence. The same way scientists tap into atomic energy, we can tap into spiritual energy.
A Story of Inspiration
There’s a story of a group of college students who asked the Lubavitcher Rebbe if he could perform miracles. He humbly responded that a miracle involves accessing inner energy. If he could inspire them to do a good deed, they would have performed a miracle together.
Practical Steps
- Cognitive Engagement: Stimulate your soul by reading something meaningful.
- Emotional Engagement: Listen to a song, a poem, or a prayer that moves you.
- Behavioral Engagement: Act on your inspiration by doing a good deed.
Final Thoughts
The world today is going through a wake-up call, shaking us from our routines. It’s a reminder to access the deeper forces within us and create miracles in our lives. Whatever situation you’re in, be an initiator. Don’t wait for a miracle; become the miracle.
For more insights, I highly recommend reading the chapter on Miracles in "Toward a Meaningful Life" and exploring other materials available on our website.
Thank you for joining this journey. May miracles manifest in your life in the most powerful and beautiful ways. Inspire others to do the same.
This program is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center. Please support our work by making a small contribution at meaningfullife.com/donate.
For further exploration, watch this YouTube video.
Be blessed and be well.
