Jesus did not miraculously make it so that the Samaritan woman of Sychar would never be thirsty again. Instead, he miraculously read her heart and addressed her sin, 'you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband.' This miracle inspired the woman to run to town, declaring Jesus as the Messiah, bringing the townspeople out to hear Jesus for themselves.
Jesus did not run to Capernaum to miraculously heal the royal official's son. Instead, he planted the seed that signs and wonders should lead to belief, and then he healed the son at distance. In the travel back to Capernaum, in the meeting of his slaves on the way, in the recognition of the time of his son's recovery, the official came to believe in Jesus. This is the PRIMARY MOTIVATION for miracles, so that whole households will believe that Jesus is truly the Saviour of the world.
So when your next lottery ticket goes in the garbage can or your car breaks down, do not make the mistake of the atheists, and assume your request for a miracle went unheard. It could be that in the big picture, fixing your situation would not have moved the needle for bringing people to faith. When your uncle dies of pneumonia, or your daughter is diagnosed with a rare disease, do not make the mistake of the deists, and declare God to be heartless. We know of his compassion through Jesus' work on the cross! It could be that in the big picture, healing your relative would not move the needle for bringing people to faith. And that is why miracles happen – to bring people to faith.
In a few minutes, we will experience a miracle that happens every once in a while around here, the miracle of the Holy Spirit – present and celebrated in young Cameron's baptism. And next week, we will experience a miracle that happens every other week around here, the miracle of receiving the body and blood of Jesus. Maybe not as dramatic as a $10 million lottery win, but just as effective in bringing us to faith.
Gracious God, we thank you for sending your Son Jesus, the saviour of the world. Keep us strong in faith with the miracles we need, in Jesus' name, amen.