Favor Fridays with Tony: Miracles (Part 2)

Miracles are not just ancient occurrences recorded in the Bible; they are ongoing testimonies of God’s power and love in our lives today. They remind us that the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus is the same God who works in our lives now. Today, we delve into modern-day miracles, including some from my own life, as evidence of God’s unchanging power and His deep care for His people.

Modern-Day Miracles

Miracles didn’t stop with the Bible; they continue today as testimonies of God’s faithfulness, love, and divine intervention. Through personal experiences, we can see how God is still actively involved in every detail of our lives. Here are a few examples from my own journey, in the order they occurred:

My Grandfather’s Deliverance from Bronchitis

There was a time when my grandfather battled bronchitis, a condition that left him weak and struggling. I was not alive to see this miracle take place, but I have heard the story often throughout the years. Through fervent prayers and unwavering faith, God brought healing and restoration to his body. This experience is a testament to God’s healing hand and His faithfulness in answering the cries of His children. It reminds me of James 5:15 (The Message): “Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet.”

My Grandmother’s Incredible Life

My late maternal grandmother, Isabella Porter Harris, was born with a hole in her heart. Doctors told her guardians that she would probably not live past childhood. But our powerful, merciful, and loving God had other plans. My grandmother lived for over 75 years, defying every medical expectation. She married my late grandfather, George Washington Harris, Sr., and together they celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage. They raised nine children who went on to have grandchildren, including me, and those grandchildren have had children of their own, creating a legacy of faith and love.

My grandmother and grandfather were living examples of unwavering faith. They cultivated a deep trust in God, and they passed that faith on to their family. I’m one of those grandchildren who was influenced by their prayers, their encouragement to attend church and Vacation Bible School, and their consistent example of leaning on God. I truly believe that the miracles and blessings my family and I experience today are a direct result of their faith and the legacy they left behind.

Just days before my grandmother passed, she told my mom, “Don’t discourage Tony (not that my mom was), because he is going to be somebody!” Her words have remained a source of encouragement and affirmation, reminding me of the power of speaking life and faith over those we love.

My Parents Being Spared on the Same Day

One of the most profound moments of divine intervention in my life was when both of my parents, Marjorie Reed and the late Tyrone T. Reed Sr. (who as of Saturday, December 21, 2024, would have been gone 10 years exactly), were spared from danger on the very same day—my Aunt Josie's birthday, back when I was in junior high. It was a moment that underscored God’s protection and His ability to watch over those we love.

My mom’s work injury occurred as she was heading out of her job. Around the same time, I had a dream that my mom was calling my name. When I got to the hospital, my relatives had tried desperately to contact my dad, but they couldn’t reach him. It turns out he had also experienced a job-related injury and was in a wheelchair when my Aunt Chocile wheeled him onto the hospital floor where my mom was. I often thank God for sparing the lives of my parents. My life would have been so very different if things had turned out another way. But God showed mercy, protected them, and kept them safe. This miracle is a constant reminder of His care and His promise to be our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1, The Message): “God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.”

Healing from a Foot Fracture in Junior High

As a junior high student, I faced the challenge of a foot fracture that could have sidelined me for weeks. But God’s power was evident in my recovery, restoring my strength and mobility far sooner than expected. On the day I went to the doctor, he X-rayed my left foot and told my mom and me that the reason it was hurting and aching was because it was already healing. He advised me to stay off it as much as I could, but he didn’t need to put it in a cast.

As we left the doctor’s office, my mom reminded me that I was set to leave for a choir/band trip to Atlanta, Georgia, the very next day. She assured me that I wasn’t going to miss it because my parents had already paid for it. So, I went on the trip and enjoyed myself—running around the amusement park, jumping down off things, and landing on my feet with no pain at all. This might seem like a small thing, but it is a significant reminder of how God cares about every aspect of our lives, even those we might consider minor. His restoration in my time of physical weakness echoes the truth of Psalm 34:19 (The Message): “Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.”

Overcoming Anxiety Through God’s Power

Anxiety can feel like an insurmountable weight, but through God’s grace, I experienced freedom and peace. Overcoming anxiety was not an overnight process; it required faith, prayer, and trusting God’s promises. During the first months of the COVID pandemic, I could not go to sleep at night. When I did fall asleep, I would wake up in a panic, afraid that I had stopped breathing and terrified that I would die in my sleep. I started lying on the floor all night so I wouldn’t disturb my wife. I tossed and turned, praying and begging God to heal me.

When the first light of the new morning came, I would get up and walk the neighborhood streets for at least an hour and a half, listening to praise music. Then I would return home, shower, and pass out from exhaustion. Then, as quickly as this ailment had come, it left, and God completely healed me. The peace I found was a miracle in itself, a fulfillment of Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message): “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.”

Completing a 40-Day Fast

Fasting is both a physical and spiritual challenge, and completing a 40-day water fast was a miracle of God’s strength carrying me through. During this time, I deepened my faith, experienced clarity, and grew in dependence on Him. It was not by my own power but by His that I was able to persevere. The first week was the hardest, but I knew I needed to be obedient to the Lord. Once I got through that first week, the rest of the journey got easier day by day.

I was able to work with a clear mind and focus, even when co-workers brought in great-smelling food. I focused on God and what He had called me to do, and He strengthened me. He stood with me, guiding me through family friends and my wife, whom I thank Him for. I even lost 80 pounds and felt lighter than I had in a long time. When I went to the doctor, there were no signs of high blood pressure or diabetes. Isaiah 40:31 (The Message) resonates deeply with this experience: “But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.”

Countless Miracles in Everyday Life

Beyond these personal experiences, I know of many more miracles, both in my life and in the lives of those I’ve joined in prayer. Some miracles are grand and undeniable, while others may seem small but are no less significant. If you take a moment to look around and examine your life, you’ll see God’s favor, grace, mercy, and His miracles and blessings woven throughout your journey. As Psalm 145:9 (The Message) reminds us: “God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace.”

Miracles as Evidence of God’s Presence

These personal experiences are reminders that God is still in the miracle-working business, just as He was in biblical times. Through protection, healing, deliverance, and provision, His miracles today reveal the same power and love we read about in Scripture. Each miracle is a testament to His faithfulness and a call to trust Him more deeply.

Staying in Faith for Modern-Day Miracles

Believing in modern-day miracles requires faith—faith that God sees our needs, hears our prayers, and acts according to His will. Here are ways to stay in faith:

1. Seek God Consistently: Make prayer and reading His Word a daily practice. The more we know Him, the more we trust His power and promises.

   
   

2. Trust in His Timing: God’s timing is perfect. Even when it seems like nothing is happening, trust that He is working behind the scenes.

   
   

3. Remember His Faithfulness: Reflect on the miracles and blessings you’ve experienced in the past. These reminders will strengthen your faith for what He will do in the future.

   
   

4. Surround Yourself With Believers: Fellowship with others who can encourage you, pray with you, and share testimonies of God’s miraculous works.

   
   

5. Celebrate Every Miracle: No miracle is too small. Give thanks for all the ways God moves in your life, whether through divine intervention or everyday blessings.

Encouragement for Your Journey

If you’re waiting for a miracle, take heart. God is still in the business of answering prayers, performing miracles, and showing His love in tangible ways. Just as He parted the Red Sea, healed the sick, and raised the dead, He is working in your life today. Trust in Him, and believe that with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27, The Message): “Jesus was blunt: ‘No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.’”

Miracles are not confined to the pages of the Bible; they are alive and active today. Let these stories encourage you to seek God, stay in faith, and trust Him for the extraordinary.