35. A Miracle of Hope

Matthew 17:25–27 shows us a Miracle of Hope.

“From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners? ” When he said, ‘From foreigners,’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the subjects are exempt. ‘ ” But that we would not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth, and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for you and for me.”

Before this little miracle of hope, Jesus had just instructed His disciples the second time about His coming passion. Again, this was difficult for them to hear.

Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain and was transfigured before them. This Transfiguration was meant, in part, to dispel the disciples’ fear and to give them a miracle of hope for what was coming.

And now, after Jesus’ second prediction of His passion, another miracle is performed for Peter alone to help encourage him and give him hope.

Imagine, if you will, that you are Peter. What would you have done if you had acted on Jesus’ instructions to go to the sea, to drop in a hook, to pull out a fish and then open its mouth?

Peter must have been filled with hope and excitement as he pulled this fish in, wondering if Jesus’ words would come true. And the moment that he saw that coin, just as Jesus said, he must have been in awe.

Slowly, the fear and anxiety he felt at this second prediction of Jesus’ passion and death would have begun to ebb away as Peter saw yet another incredible sign from his Lord. God performs miracles in our lives every day.

The problem is we often fail to discern them. Whenever his glorious power works in us to strengthen or, as he also does, fills us with courage, hope, charity, and every other virtue, this is a miracle of grace.

God always knows whatever we need in our lives. He knows about our struggles and doubts. Sometimes he just is silent to draw us deeper through intentional prayer and acts of faith.

And then, at times, suddenly, we find that this new clarity in life is a result of His grace at work.

He knew that Peter needed this extra grace of a personal miracle so that he could move beyond fears and struggles to entirely trust in Jesus. Jesus was trustworthy. This has to be the conclusion Peter would have come to: He was trustworthy. So, everything He said should be believed.

What a wonderful conclusion for us all to arrive at. Think about ways in which God has assured you of his divine presence and action in your life.

The miracles God has done in your life might not be physical in their manifestation, yet God’s workings can be just as convincing if clearly perceived.

What is God Saying to You Today?

What does God want to assure you of in your life? What is a struggle or doubt with which you wrestle? When you want to give up, remember God there and His works in your life. Consider His intervention, how He took care of you, and how He led.

Be thankful, and let the thoughts of what God did be your strength today and a source of hope in all desperate times.

Let’s Pray

My Lord of miracles of hope, Your work in my life is glorious and amazing.

You never disappoint me in supplying me whenever I am in need.

Help me to turn to You whenever I struggle so that I will be filled with new hope in You.

You are faithful always, dear Lord. I do place all my hope in You.

Jesus, I trust in You.

Amen.

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I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

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