Miracles, Miracles, Miracles
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited 2 the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said 2 Him, "They have no more wine."
"Woman, why do you involve Me?" Jesus replied. "My hour has not yet come."
His mother said 2 the servants, "Do whatever He tells u." Nearby stood 6 stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews 4 ceremonial washing, each holding from 20 to 30 gallons. Jesus said 2 the servants, "Fill the jars w/water"; so they filled them 2 the brim. Then He told them, "Now draw some out and take it 2 the master of the banquet."
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much 2 drink; but u have saved the best till now."
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs [miracles] through which He revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. John 2:1-11
The Miracle Wedding Testimony
This month our younger daughter is getting married! It is the first wedding for one of our children and the first wedding that we have ever planned. When the young man approached my husband, Jeff, and I to ask our permission to marry her we gave it 2 him w/great joy. On Christmas Eve last year (her favorite day of the year), we lit a fire in our fireplace and put candles all over the living room. The young man put on her favorite instrumental music and in front of our Christmas tree he asked her to be his wife. It was perfect and beautiful.Traditionally, the mother and father of the bride are responsible for paying for and planning a wedding. We wouldn't have it any other way with our precious daughter, Amy. However, the last number of years, we have had tremendous financial struggles that have left us depleted of any savings – in fact, we need miracles each month just 2 pay expenses. So our "circumstantial reality" hit us pretty hard: How were we going 2 pay 4 a beautiful wedding, especially when we have a very large family and many dear friends who would want to come? Then the Lord reminded us of the above story. His first miracle was at a wedding! He told us, "This will be a miracle wedding."
As January 2011 began, we also began our wedding planning... completely in faith and with no money in hand. The 1st miracle came when God spoke t2 a Believer in Texas (whom we have never met in person) and asked them to pay for our daughter's wedding dress. They not only sent enough 4 the dress but enough 2 begin buying the decorations and put deposits down 4 a photographer.
We continued planning, and miraculous provision would come little by little. As summer began, we were just 3 months away from the wedding date and I was getting a bit more anxious! We were going 2 need a lot of miracles to see the wedding happen. I began losing sleep due to worrying about the small amount of time we had left and the large amount of miracles that we would need. (Oh... such little faith in such a faithful God!) Even in the midst of my "worry," God came through once again.
First, we were given the exact amount of money that I was praying 4 (the amount we needed 4 all that had been planned 2 that point), and then a Christian couple offered us the use of their beautiful property at no charge to host the wedding and reception. Just days later someone came forward and offered to cater the entire wedding as a gift to our family (all we had 2 do was pay 4 the food, not her services), and then a floral student came to us offering 2 do all the florist work as her college project – once again, at no cost 2 us except for the supplies.
One of our largest bills for the wedding was going to be the rentals for the tables, chairs, linens and supplies for the wedding and reception. We were so blessed when a family member came 2 us and offered to pay for all of the rentals. Everything was happening just the way the Lord had said it would. Our hearts were full and all of us were so grateful. Then, w/less than 2 months till the wedding we were notified that these people who planned 2 pay 4 the rentals were no longer going 2b able 2 do it. Suddenly, we had a huge bill coming due and no way 2 pay it.
Some dear friends came 2 our house 2 pray w/us regarding this and they kept hearing the words, "Miracle wedding." God was reminding us of what He had spoken b4 the planning had ever begun. So, peace returned. The very next day we began receiving checks in the mail from people that God had spoken 2, telling us that He wanted them 2 "sow into this wedding." We literally received double what was lost within two weeks.
Now we are just days from the Big Day and God has kept His promise and brought forth miracle after miracle for the wedding. We have no expenses – everything has been provided for. We will watch our daughter marry the man of her dreams in the dress she desired, in a garden she pictured, w/all the friends and family that she wanted to share the day. Every detail has been provided for by the true Father of the Bride. The only detail left is the provision of a place 4 them 2 live when they come home from their honeymoon, and we are confident that He will provide this too... just at the time that they need it.
We are experiencing His promise in Ephesians 3:20-21:
"Now 2 Him who is able 2 do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."
Expect Miracles
As we have walked through this journey of miracles, the Holy Spirit has continually reminded me that this is how we should live in our everyday lives. Jesus is our Bridegroom and He is preparing the perfect wedding 4 His Bride. Why do we believe that He would not take care of His Bride during the time of preparation?God is restoring our faith and belief in "Who He Is." Where did we lose sight of His character and His promises? Why do we struggle with doubt and unbelief? He is who He says He is! He is faithful 2 His written Word, and 2 the promises He speaks 2 our hearts. We need 2 take Him at His word! Our daughter's wedding is only one testimony of God's faithfulness and miracles at work in the life of those who walk with Him.
I believe that we have entered a time in history that we will see a new level of faith arise, and miracles will follow. Declarations of truth are coming forth from Heaven that the Church will release and C fulfilled. Entire services of His people lost in praise and thanksgiving will be more and more common. A spirit of thankfulness is coming upon God's people that will set many free of the pain of this past season of testing and release miracles on a level never seen by this generation b4. A holy expectation will come upon us that will launch us into a new level of faith that enables us 2 go forth in all that He asks of us like never b4. This holy expectation will release a holy acceleration of His Kingdom here on Earth.
I believe that the pain of hope deferred will be broken off of God's people and that we will enter into time of desires fulfilled. The release of a new level of faith (that compels obedience) and thanksgiving will minister freedom 2 many who have been living in a type of "survival mode" rather than living the abundant life that God has planned for His sons and daughters. The enemy has worked hard to beat down God's people and 2 steal away their faith, belief, joy and confidence in who He is. But God is raising up His standard and lifting His people above the lie of the enemy.
He is inviting u into this new season... a season of thankfulness and miracles; a season of light and joy, a season of healing and restoration! As we personally watch our daughter's dream fulfilled, we will continue 2 pray and believe 4 God's dreams 4 u 2b fulfilled as well.
And by the way – our "wedding journey" continues as our son Corey recently became engaged and will be getting married next June!
I will leave you with this exhortation from Philippians 4:
Be anxious 4 nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication w/thanksgiving let your requests be made known 2 God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is hono
rable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Philippians 4:6-8
...And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Blessings to you and your household,
Kathi Pelton
Compassion Arise
Email: jkpelton@sbcglobal.net
