Miracles and Fiction

This is in response to part of a discussion at Rebecca Miller's A Christian Worldview of Fiction. The topic is the role of miracles in fiction. Is it useful and hopeful or does it lead others to a false doctrine of the business of miracles?

Jan replied:

Well, this is certainly a thought-provoking topic....

I am sure there are miracles happening today... I've had them happen in my own life. Probably more than I will realize until I get to Heaven.

I also have had things happen that I know God could have kept from happening. The loss of my daughter's life being most prevalent in my mind - as most would understand. Another -- Why do I have two perfectly "normal" children and one that struggles with most everything he does? I pray for each of them, always have -- even before they were born. So, was it my lack of faith that caused him to be different? No... (refer to John 9:2)

So, yeah, miracles happen, but God's the God of all -- if a miracle fits with His plan, then a miracle it is. If we aren't mature enough spiritually to accept it or maybe if our priorities need straightened out or whatever , then no miracle. But see, to me, that in itself is a miracle -- that God ultimately knows what will benefit us and what won't.

As far as putting miracles or not putting them in fiction... that's a toughie for me. I'm not a published author (yet), and I differ with the opinion of some that miracles cheat our readers, but until I get my foot in the door, so to speak, I need to follow the rules. But if the miracle is "realistic" enough so the reader doesn't feel cheated, then I would think it is okay and acceptable... ??? The more realistic, successful novel would be the non-miracle struggle with real life problems, however. Or that's what I'm being taught in things I read. Then God uses that struggle to deepen their faith, lead them to saving grace, or help them lead a loved one to Him.

Faith has an important role in all of this, but I watched a faithful, godly woman die at a young age believing that she would rise up and be healed from her cancer.... well, her faith healed her, in my opinion.... she's walking streets of gold -- cancer free.

So, sometimes what we call faith may only be our desire... true faith would be trusting God -- no matter what -- He ALWAYS does the right and best thing.... which may have be the biggest miracle of all.....