Have you ever prayed for something and then been surprised when God answered? We often live our lives amazed at what He does—yet not always expecting Him to move. In the Gospels, the disciples had front-row seats to the miracles of Jesus, but time and time again they were astonished instead of expectant.

Miracles Were Everywhere

The ministry of Jesus was marked by miracle after miracle. From healings to deliverance to provision, His power and compassion were constantly on display. Yet those closest to Him—the disciples—often seemed shocked every time.

Let’s walk through just a few of the many moments where His miraculous power was revealed.

1. Authority Given (Matthew 10:1–4; Luke 9:1–6)

Before sending the disciples out to minister, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal every disease and affliction. Think about that for a moment—the very power of heaven entrusted to ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots.

And yet, later, when faced with storms or overwhelming needs, they still questioned whether God’s power was enough. How quickly we forget the authority and promises Jesus has already given us!

2. Storms Calmed (Matthew 8:23–27)

One of the most vivid examples comes as Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee. A furious storm arose, and the disciples, gripped with fear, woke Him shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

What was Jesus doing? Sleeping peacefully in the boat. With one rebuke to the wind and waves, the sea grew calm.

The disciples were amazed, asking, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” They had already witnessed His authority, yet they were shocked again.

How often do we panic in our own storms, forgetting that the same Jesus who calmed the sea is with us, unshaken by the waves?

3. The Multitudes Fed (Matthew 15:32; Mark 6:30–44)

When faced with thousands of hungry people, they wanted Jesus to send them home. But Jesus had another miracle in mind. He asked the disciples to gather all the food leftover. They told Jesus, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish.”

But Jesus saw opportunity. Taking the small lunch, He blessed it, broke it, and multiplied it until every person ate their fill—and baskets of leftovers remained.

Some Gospel accounts mention 5,000 men, others 4,000, but the exact number isn’t the issue. The truth is the same: Jesus provides abundantly more than we can imagine.

Still, the next time the disciples were hungry, they doubted again. They were amazed by the miracle, but they didn’t learn to expect God’s provision the next time.

4. Healing the Bleeding Woman & Raising Jairus’ Daughter (Luke 8:40–56)

This passage gives us two powerful portraits of expectant faith.

Jairus, the synagogue ruler, came to Jesus pleading for his daughter’s healing. He didn’t come out of curiosity or to test Jesus. He came believing that if Jesus would lay hands on her, she would be healed. His expectation brought him into the presence of the Miracle Worker.
The bleeding woman, suffering for twelve long years, pressed through the crowd convinced that just touching the edge of His garment would be enough. Her faith was bold, her expectation unwavering. And immediately, she was healed.

Both Jairus and the woman received what they came expecting. They believed in the impossible, and Jesus met them with compassion and power.

Expectant Faith vs. Astonished Faith

Here lies the contrast: the disciples, despite walking daily with Jesus, often responded with astonishment, not expectation. Those on the margins—the desperate father, the suffering woman—came with unwavering belief that Jesus could and would act.

The difference is subtle but important:

Astonished faith is surprised when God moves.
Expectant faith trusts that God will move because nothing is impossible for Him.

A Personal Story of God’s Provision

This truth isn’t just something I’ve read about in Scripture—it’s something my family has lived.

Several years ago in December, my husband was laid off after working faithfully for the same company for over 20 years. He was nearly 60 years old at the time, and discouragement settled in quickly. Who would want to hire someone they considered “too old” in today’s job market?

As the months passed and his severance pay began to run out, we prayed and waited.

In March, just as the final paycheck was ending, the phone rang. It was an old co-worker reaching out with a simple question: “Bob, would you like a job?” Miracle! Although the position came with a pay cut, we learned to adapt, and the Lord continued to provide for our needs.

Seven years later, my husband is still with that company. Not only has God provided financially, but He’s also given us the gift of new friendships through his co-workers—people we now consider dear friends.

Looking back, I see how clearly God’s hand was at work. He opened a door at just the right time, reminded us of His faithfulness, and showed us that His provision often comes in ways we never expect.

What This Means for Us Today

We live in a world where doubt, distraction, and disappointment can easily harden our hearts. We may pray but secretly wonder if anything will change. We may see God move in others’ lives but struggle to believe He will in ours.

But Scripture reminds us:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
“With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)

The miracles of Jesus were not just for history books. They are reminders that the God we serve today is still able, still powerful, still compassionate.

How to Cultivate Expectant Faith

Remember His past faithfulness. Just like the disciples should have remembered the feeding of the 5,000, we can recall the ways God has provided and protected us before.
Pray with anticipation, not hesitation. Don’t just ask God “if You can”—pray believing that He is willing and able.
Look for the ordinary miracles. Sometimes God’s hand is in the quiet provisions, the answered prayers we overlook, the peace in our hearts.
Stay rooted in His Word. Scripture reminds us of His power and promises when our hearts grow weary.

Reflection Questions

Do I often find myself surprised when God answers a prayer, instead of expecting Him to?
Where in my life right now do I need to shift from fear to faith, from astonishment to expectation?
What is one miracle I believe that God will provide for today?

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve doubted Your power or been surprised by Your faithfulness. Teach me to live with expectant faith, trusting not in my own strength but in Your authority over all things. Open my eyes to see the miracles You are doing around me every day, both big and small. Help me to walk in confidence that nothing is impossible for You. Amen.

✨P.S. A Creative Note✨

When I was working on my Bible journaling page from Mark 6:45–52, I started by adding splashes of color. To be honest, it looked like a big chaotic mess at first. I almost stopped right there—but something in me said, keep going.

As I layered more color and details, the page slowly came together. It wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, but in the middle of the mess, something beautiful emerged.

Isn’t that just like God? Even when our lives feel chaotic, He is still at work. He creates miracles out of our messes, and the outcome may not be what we had in mind—but it’s always a reflection of His goodness.

BE SURE AND PIN FOR LATER!