We have this idea that miracles
have to happen with great fanfare - lightning from the sky and angels on trumpets. Why?
In his book,
Miracles, CS Lewis proposes that miracles do not have to be supernatural events in the sense of being highly sensational and impressive. They are simply
extranatural - God intervening - sometimes to help, sometimes to confirm faith, but always with something greater (and in our eyes, more simple or less impressive) in mind.
When we catch an apple falling from a tree, we are simply interacting with nature, but from the perspective of the apple it is nothing less than supernatural intervention.
Miracles are actually quite weak at
generating faith. They often accompany simple faith, or happen in providence when no other means are available. When there is nobody else to catch the apple. But God put people on earth with purpose, and to be
miracles to each other, not for an audience to watch Him. Most miracles are known to man, which is why miracles do not seem to happen often. Maybe you should rather say miracles do not happen
as we expect them to very often.
Because they do not happen to satisfy our purpose for them, they happen to satisfy God's purpose for us. We just often refuse to see something unless it serve our preconceptions; we feel so lost that help seems too little, too powerless, too late. But God seems to prefer simple things and words and people to instill faith and perform great things among those who don't even feel strong enough to lift themselves out of bed.
The greatest miracle of all was crucified in shame and contempt on a cross, because He did not seem great and glorious enough to the people who expected him. What was greatness to God was foolishness to them.
We underestimate the means that
are available, and we underestimate what God can do with just five loaves of bread and two dead fish.
John 6:26 Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
1 Cor. 13... if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.