For what purposes does God use miracles?

2 Kings 17:36“But worship only the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt with great strength and a powerful arm. Bow down to him alone, and offer sacrifices only to him.”

Daniel 6:27“He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Micah 7:15“Yes,” says the Lord, “I will do mighty miracles for you, like those I did when I rescued you from slavery in Egypt.”

Sometimes God uses miracles to rescue people.

Exodus 10:1Then the Lord said to Moses, “Return to Pharaoh and make your demands again. I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can display my miraculous signs among them.”

Sometimes God uses miracles to show his power.

John 4:50-53Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus.

Sometimes God uses miracles to strengthen belief in him.

Matthew 8:3Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

Sometimes God uses miracles simply to show his love.

Matthew 14:14Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Sometimes God uses miracles to show his compassion.

James 5:14-15Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

Sometimes God uses miracles to heal.

John 2:7-11Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Sometimes God uses miracles to help. This miracle was not for a life-and-death situation. The bride and groom would have been humiliated, and their hospitality to their guests would have been hurt, but more wine was not absolutely necessary. Still, Jesus granted the request. God cares about the little things in our lives as well—not just the life-changing ones—and he is not above intervening if we ask.

Hebrews 2:4God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.

Sometimes God uses miracles to authenticate his message.