You ACTUALLY believe in MIRACLES? A book review of "Miracles are for real" by Garlow & Wall



Publisher: Bethany House (November 1, 2011)

Book Synopsis from publisher:


Do you believe miracles still happen?

Definitely, you say, because you or a loved one has experienced a miracle--your sister survived a car accident that should have resulted in death. You received a check for the exact amount needed to cover this month's overdue electric bill, when your bank account was empty.

Or maybe you say, I'm not sure. You've heard stories, but you're skeptical. It seems there are a lot of imposters claiming to perform miracles.

The answer? Absolutely. And while the miraculous stories in this book are evidence of God's working today, that's just the beginning. Pastor and teacher Dr. Jim Garlow and writer Keith Wall carefully examine biblical teaching about miracles and provide honest, trustworthy information that will boost your faith. Whether you need a miracle today or you want to understand how to recognize a true miracle, this is your inspiring guide.

MY REVIEW

Miracles are for Real had me on the brink of tears one minute and in deep thought the next. The book is brilliantly written, interspersing real, true-life accounts of miracles with commentary on the reality of miracles, how to define them, why miracles take place. For those in the midst of a dark time, looking for a source of hope, this book is a great reminder of God's power and his love and his ability to walk with us through the tough times and move in a miraculous way. It will be impossible not to be inspired reading these examples of miracles, such as one about a child with an obvious brain injury being inexplicably healed! The book is based on clear biblical truths and provides a beautiful and balanced look at miracles. The authors do a great job of advising people from "chasing" after miracles, stating that "we should expect miracles, but they shouldn't be our ultimate goal...Miracles are thrilling, yet they can't compete with the miracle of an authentic life and a focus on always seeking to do the right thing". 

I think what I appreciated most is that the authors don't shy away from the difficult questions, especially the question that so many of us will face at one point, the question of why God doesn't always answer yes to our pleas for him to intervene and provide an obvious miracle when we are in the midst of tragedy and pain and suffering. But before a potential reader wonders "but what could THEY know about pain and suffering anyway?" they should realize that the authors have shown an unusual amount of courage and shared from their own real pain. Readers will be unable to scoff when they read the raw words of Jim as he shares the struggle his wife has been having with cancer, as her body is succumbing to disease despite their pleas for a miracle. His decision to share his own struggles bring a true and authentic feel to the book.

I strongly encourage any person, believer or non-believer, to pick up this book and have their eyes opened to God's love, his power, and the miracles he continues to work today. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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