How does a miracle produce a hardened heart?

 ⁵⁰ for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” ⁵¹ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, ⁵² for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

What causes a heart to be hardened?  Seeing someone walking on the water in the middle of the night would seem a good time to be afraid.  However, the scripture records that their fear in this situation is directly related to a hardened heart.

Jesus had been teaching to a great multitude of people who grew hungry.  The disciples wanted to send them away to get food.  Jesus had them gather all the food present, 2 fish and 5 loaves.  The food continued to multiply as they fed 5000 men with food left over.  They had witnessed and participated in a miracle. Somehow their hearts were hardened instead of growing spiritually.

A miracle can produce faith or hardness of heart.  Jesus said it was an adulterous and unbelieving generation that looks for a sign.  A miracle by itself does not guarantee to produce a believer.  Why?  Many of us hope that our unsaved relative would finally accept Christ, if they saw a true miracle. (I believe miracles happen today and believe that we are as in great a need for miracles as ever before.)

Every miracle that we witness demands a response of belief and gratitude or we open the door to becoming callous.  Our first words should be to look for God in the miracle.  He can do all things and deserves all credit.  The magician in Acts wanted to purchase this ability to do healings and miracles…it’s not for sale.

Hardening of the heart spiritually starts with doubt, unbelief and the desire to understand “know how”.  Listen to the words that come out almost immediately.  “I can’t believe what just happened.  How did he do it?  I can’t believe my eyes.  Did it really happen?  Was that person really hurting, sick, or in that big of a need?”  Questions like these develop a callousness over our spiritual heart regarding spiritual activity.  The lack of believing in miracles affects our entire spiritual walk.

So we have the disciples who were afraid on the boat.  Doubt leads to fear which reveals our limitation in understanding spiritual matters.  We want to think that we can understand everything and be in control of every event through our knowledge.  When we are out of control of any situation…fear shows its ugly head.  This lack of control was the same emotion when they were told to feed the people.  One of them had calculated how much money it would take to feed the crowd…they did not have enough money.  It was beyond their control or ability to address the situation.  Then Jesus stepped in and showed God’s heart to intervene.

What life experiences are you facing that are beyond your control to produce the desired outcome?  Cancer, addictions, family break up, spouses turning against each other, thoughts of suicide, or unforgiveness all are overwhelming.  Look for God.  Look beyond you skills and abilities.  He is able to be present in the middle of your storm.  Trust that He loves you and is bringing about the most good in your life.

You may be the one in need of a miracle, you may also be the one to believe in a miracle.  Let that belief grow into seeing God move in every area of your life.

Father, it is so easy for our hearts to become callous toward your activity on the earth.  We may become jealous of others blessings.  Why does it seem like others receive blessing and others are skipped over?  Father teach me to see when I am not responding properly.  Let me see any area where fear of the unknown future is hardening my heart to the known God who loves me in the present moment.