The Grave Robber (Baker Books, 2014)
Mark Batterson’s most recent book is titled The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible. The book is based on seven miracles of Jesus reported in the gospel of John. Each miracle represents a different dimension of Jesus’ power. The prerequisite for a miracle is a problem, which then provides the perfect opportunity for God to reveal His glory. The miracles in the gospel of John don’t just reveal what Jesus did, but what He wants to do in your life. One of the truest tests of spiritual maturity is seeing miracles in the monotonous. Pastor Batterson states that we would crack the joy code if we’d recognize the moment-by-moment miracles that surround us.
Whatever situation we’re in, God has us exactly where He wants us, even if that situation is not where we’d choose to be. Mark notes that there are no accidents, only divine appointments. Miracles and divine appointments happen at God Speed. They never are early or late, but always right on time. Only one assumption is true: God is able. We need to keep taking steps of faith, what Eugene Peterson refers to as “obedience in the right direction.” Rather than doing things differently, we need to see things differently- for God can take a little and make a lot.
God wants to stretch our faith so that someday our biggest dreams will seem incredibly small. Paradoxically, the more we give, the more we enjoy what we keep. While God’s blessings amplify joy, miracles fortify our faith. Miracles are found on the other side of fear. At some point in our life journey, we need to take a radical step of faith. That moment will define every moment that follows. No mater what we might think, when Jesus gets involved it’s never too little, never too late.
The ultimate goal of any miracle is not the miracle itself, but the glory of God. Jesus is calling us out of our tomb, to resurrect what has died. As Pastor Batterson concludes:
“He will give you your smile back.
He will give you your laugh back.
He will give you your life back.
Do you believe this?
If you do, He will make the impossible possible.”
