Humans have many amusing abilities. Perhaps none is more intriguing that the ability to casually authenticate our own beliefs while labeling as bizarre and absurd those different from our own—those beliefs with which we disagree.
This hypocritical human tendency showed itself prominently during the 2012 presidential campaign. One editorialist wrote: “Mitt Romney would have us believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he was given golden plates by an angel with the truth written on them. Mitt has got to be lying to us. He cannot possibly believe this.” (emphasis added)
I’m guessing that the writer of the editorial, one Mr. John H. Nelson of Horatio, Arkansas, believes absolutely that Elijah brought fire from heaven, Elisha cured Naaman of leprosy, and Moses parted the Red Sea. Why are these spectacular miracles more credible than those of the Restoration? Why do his miracles make sense but ours are foolish?
We all set boundaries on our faith. Each of us decides where to draw the line between holy miracles and absurd gullibility. We draw the line based on our experience and beliefs. If we were raised learning about biblical miracles, they probably don’t sound outrageous in adulthood. If we grew up hearing the miracles of the Restoration, they probably seem entirely natural and like a continuation of God’s work on the earth.
Maybe the question for those who grew up hearing about biblical but not Restoration miracles is this: Why should the miracles stop? Why would God stop showing His hand in the human story? We believe that He has never stopped–that miracles continue.
Research shows that Latter-day Saints in America are dramatically more likely than fellow Americans (96% to 47%) to believe that miracles occur today just as in ancient times. (See A Portrait of Mormons in the U.S. by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.)
The Book of Mormon teaches that the miracles we see are the measure of our faith. When we have more faith, we see more miracles. If we are experiencing miracles in our everyday lives, we can know that our faith is active and vital.
It is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain. (Moroni 7:37)
For Latter-day Saints, the thing that requires explaining is any absence of miracles—not their presence. We do not see God dramatically changing His modus operandi anywhere in history. He has always been a God of miracles (Mormon 9:19). It is true that He accommodated His children’s lack of spiritual maturity sometimes by providing milk when they were not ready for meat, but throughout human history, He has acted in many ways that have defied human explanation.
The Challenge for the Saints
It is tempting for us to be smug in our attitude toward other Christians: “We still have miracles and you don’t.” However, I wonder if we, too, tend to limit God’s willingness to orchestrate miracles in our lives. I suspect that God might challenge us to be even more open to His power. I wonder if the reason we do not experience some of the miracles described in scripture is that we have placed them outside the boundaries of respectable credibility.
Ancient people who were not overawed by the powers of science may have been far more willing to turn to God’s power than we are. Alma fainted into a trance-like state and communed with angels. Lehi and Nephi had marvelous visions. Might the Lord be able to provide us a deeper form of communion with the divine if we were open to it? Might we, like Enoch, have power over the forces of nature if we were ready to use that power in holy ways? Might we, like Joseph Smith, experience far more heavenly influence in our lives if we stretched ourselves? Or do we, like the children of Israel, sit at home worshiping traditional truth while only the brave and faithful climb the mount to see God?
God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them.
(History of the Church, 3:380)
As much as anything, the Restoration may be an invitation to engage in vigorous dialogue with Heaven. We may be living far beneath our privileges in this area. Dieter F. Uchtdorf asked the brethren of the Church, “Are we as priesthood holders living below our privileges when it comes to the sacred power, gifts, and blessings that are our opportunity and right as bearers of God’s priesthood?” (April 2011 General Priesthood Meeting)
In terms of modern miracles, we Latter-day Saints are perched precariously above the bulk of the Christian world but below the scriptural standard. Would God have us climb farther up the mount of miracles? Would He have us more fully appreciate the myriad of miracles in our daily lives while seeking the will of God to know how else we could draw heavenly power into the world around us?
For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. (2 Nephi 27:23)
The God we worship is still (and will forever be) a God of miracles. He invites us to exercise our faith and witness many mighty miracles in our lives. What miracles do you seek? Maybe you need clear guidance on pressing family challenges. Maybe you crave happiness and peace of mind in a world that feels unsettled and threatening. Maybe you yearn for a new beginning in your relationship with God with guilt and sorrow removed and the bright light of love restored.
God stands willing to deliver miracles into your life that are perfectly suited for you.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you” (D&C 78:17).
What miracles does God have in store for you?
Thanks to Barbara Keil for her contributions to this article.
