Acts 19:11-12 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

A couple of things here. First of all, it is notable that whereas we are amazed at any miracle, miracles were so common in Paul’s ministry that Luke felt he needed to call attention to “extraordinary” miracles. Roland and Heidi Baker and Reinhard Bonnke are the only people who come to mind today who would really fit into that category. That’s not to say that every valid ministry is to be marked by what we call miracles, but every valid ministry will certainly be marked by the miracle of transformed lives. The other thing that catches my attention is that the “extraordinary miracles” involved healing and deliverance being transmitted through objects. These were items that Paul had used in his trade as a tent maker; they were not mass-produced “prayer cloths.” I have heard of contemporary examples of people being healed through such things as handkerchiefs, but the operative factor there is faith. Such things were unusual enough in Paul’s ministry that Luke called them “extraordinary,” but some “televangelists” have twisted that to generate income, mailing out “prayer cloths” for a certain fee. Any good effect from that has nothing to do with the cloth!

I have prayed over objects to be taken to suffering people a few times, but I would certainly put that in the category of unusual, at least. My own focus is to be on Jesus, to the point that He is free to do whatever He desires through me. I must remember that, as Luke says here, God did these things through the hand of Paul, it wasn’t Paul doing them on his own. There have been a few times that I so wanted a miracle to happen that I tried to bring it about on my own, and naturally failed. I want to be so submitted to Christ by His Spirit that my reputation precedes me among my spiritual enemies, as it did with Paul. I want God’s Name to be hallowed and His kingdom come as His will is done in, by, and through me, for His glory.

Father, You know my heart better than I do myself. I ask You to continue to work in me to will and to do Your good pleasure, just as is promised in Your Word. (Philippians 2:13) May I be totally responsive and obedient to You, whether that means what people would call miracles or not, so that Your will and Yours alone may be accomplished, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!