Two rounds into the NCAA tournament and we have already seen a half-court game-winning shot…a 3-point buzzer-beater from the corner…countless comebacks…and a 15-seed beating one of the tournament favorites. Moving forward, we know anything can happen because of the madness and potential miracles.

Duke’s Coach, Mike Krzyzewski, described the tournament’s upsets and close games like this: “People always believe in miracles during this time, and they don’t believe that they’re ever out of it.” Coach K’s words ring true. The underdogs believe they can shock the top seeds, and every team seems to have faith they can come back – regardless of the deficit. Even as fans, we are waiting to witness an epic game or a miraculous play.

When it comes to our own lives, I wonder if we actually believe in miracles? Do we trust that God is powerful and still at work performing miracles every day? Do we forget that the God of the Bible is the same God today?

I believe childbirth is an undeniable miracle, so I have no problem believing that Jesus walked on water and fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. I also believe that the power behind both of those miracles is the same power God uses today. He still heals, provides, and changes hearts in miraculous ways. If we would just open our eyes and hearts to seek Him, we would see that miracles happen all the time.

In Mark 9:17-23, a father brings his son to Jesus to tell Him about the spirit that makes his son unable to speak. Jesus asks the man how long his son has been possessed, and he explains that it’s been since childhood. The man goes on to say to Jesus in verse 22, “And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”  Jesus replies, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Wow, I hope you’re as encouraged as I am to drop the “if you can” out of your prayer life. Of course, God can, but we have to trust that He will do what’s best according to His will and for His glory. God does and can work miraculously when we pray, but do we truly believe and trust Him to do the unimaginable?

Today, let’s be reminded of God’s remarkable power that’s at work in and around us and let’s not forget the miracle of being alive right now. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you that you love me enough to answer my prayers according to Your will. Help me to trust and believe in Your power… I know You can do and have done miraculous things in me and around me. Help me to seek You first. In Jesus’ name, Amen.