The Hidden Miracles
Yael Eckstein | August 28, 2023
Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!” — Numbers 23:11
Miracles are central to both the Jewish and Christian faiths, and both biblical narratives are replete with miracles. Enjoy this collection of devotional teachings on the nature of God’s awe-inspiring signs and wonders.
Balak, the Moabite king, wanted to destroy the nation of Israel. Realizing that he wouldn’t be able to defeat Israel militarily because of God’s protection, Balak decided to attack the Israelites spiritually. He hired the sorcerer, Balaam, to curse the children of Israel, rendering them spiritually weak, and therefore, militarily conquerable.
However, Balak’s plan backfired. As soon as Balaam opened his mouth to curse the nation of Israel, blessings emerged instead. He tried several times, but each time, God intervened. Perhaps the most fascinating part of this entire episode is that the Israelites were completely unaware of both the danger they were in and of God’s miraculous salvation.
So, too, we are completely unaware of the dangers we face on a daily basis—as well as the hidden miracles that God constantly does on our behalf.
The Hidden Miracles
I remember the first time my daughter walked to school by herself. Although she desperately wanted the independence, she was also nervous about being out there in the world on her own. So when she set out the door, this tiny girl with a huge backpack, I kissed her goodbye, waited two minutes, and then slipped out after her.
I watched her from a distance as she carefully looked both ways before she crossed the street, as she said hello to other children passing by, as she tripped over a stick on the sidewalk and got back up, and as she finally made it into the gate of the school. I was there to protect her, even if she had no idea.
God walks with us through our daily lives, whether we can see Him or not. He is just a few steps behind us, protecting and guiding us without our knowledge. It is because of this belief that we thank God on a daily basis for both “Your miracles that are with us every day”—those that we see—and “for your wonders and favors in every season”—the hidden miracles.
Your Turn:
As you go about your daily routine, remember that you are protected everywhere you go, in everything you do.