It was called the Hudson River miracle. You might recall when flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson river that runs from north to south primarily through the eastern part of New York. The plane lost both engines when it flew into a flock of geese. With no airports nearby, the pilot, Captain Charles B. Sullenberger, made a snap decision to land the plane on the river. The miraculous landing saved 155 passengers and 5 crewmembers.

When the incident was reported, people called it nothing short of a miracle. Commentators talked about “Angels carrying the wings of the plane and then keeping it afloat in the water until every passenger safely escaped.” It was a divine moment. God supernaturally intervened in what could have been a tragic crash and lost lives.

As time went by, experts began dissecting the event and came to the conclusion that it wasn’t the hand of God that saved these people. It was the experience and ability of Captain Charles B. Sullenberger. They even gave credit to the construction of the Airbus.

“This was no miracle,” determined the experts. “It was the right man at the right time that safely landed the plane.” After all, Sullenberger had 40 years of experience. He had been a fighter polit. He has written manuals, taught other pilots how to fly and land, and how to respond to emergency situations.

“With all his training,” commentators agreed, “he was the right man for the job.” Are they right? Was it the wisdom, ability, and man’s experience that saved the passengers and the crew? Or, was it God. We’re quick to identify human effort, intelligence, and talent before we consider what happened might be a miraculous movement of God—a divine intervention.

It’s easy to say God performed miracles in the Old and New Testament, but does He still perform miracles today? If you believe God’s Presence and power in the form of the Holy Spirit is still with us, then the answer is, “Yes.” God still executes modern day miracles.

As Christians we’re taught that God is involved supernaturally in our everyday lives, but do we really believe that’s true? Or do we believe it is collaboration between God and man? I believe in both. God is not limited to what He can do through one abandoned Christian willing to say, “Use me, Lord. Use me.” Willingness, dependency, and obedience to the leading of the Spirit are the makings of miracles.

It’s easy to forget the purpose of a miracle. Our nature is to think about our own need or desire rather than consider the source of the miracle. God performs the phenomenon in our lives to show His glory. When we look to Him as the Miracle Maker, our faith, along with those watching, grows deeper and more intimate. God doesn’t need us to show His power and glory on the road of impossible. It’s a partnership in experiencing and seeing the realness of God as we journey through this life.

“Hey mom. I’m exiting the interstate. I’ll be home in a few minutes.” The familiar sound of my son’s voice calling from his Bluetooth in the car, sparked excitement in my heart. A longing to see my child who had been away at college was about to be satisfied. I watched intently through the window until I saw his car coming down the winding country road that led him home. As he pulled into the driveway, I raced to meet him. Smiles stretched across both of our faces as we opened our arms for a welcome home hug.

“Leave your things in the car.” I instructed. “We’ll get them later. Right now, I just want to sit and visit with you.”

We spend time with those we love. We seek them out. We wait for them. And we serve them. This is called intimacy. It’s the kind of relationship Jesus longs to have with us. There is no better example of this kind of fellowship than the one God developed with Abraham. (Story found in Genesis 18)

Abraham was sitting under the shade of his tent during the hottest part of the day when it happened. Three figures appear out of nowhere standing nearby. Abraham jumps to his feet. His heart pounds; not with fear but with wonder. There is something familiar about these characters.

Recently, after thirteen years, the Lord had appeared to Abraham. Now, He had returned. Perhaps He came to encourage Abraham with the presence of His friendship.

Abraham races to meet them and bowing low he speaks, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my Lord, do not pass your servant by.” (Genesis 18:3) This was an invitation for the heavenly men to stay.

We can assume one of the figures was Christ incarnate before He put on flesh and entered our world as a babe in Bethlehem. The other two were angles. While no one has ever seen God, Abraham knew in his spirit this was the Lord and invited Him to stay.

Something about this scene caused me to pause and ponder the situation. Abraham wanted to Jesus to stay. He was eager to experience Him and all Jesus had to offer Abraham. Quickly, my mind filled with questions. What if the Lord came to my home? What would I do? Would I even recognize Him? Would I desire His presence and friendship? Would I respond to Jesus as I did with my son?

The bible explains that God is with us every moment of the day and night whether we recognize Him or not. Just think how it would change our lives if we looked for His presence and invited Him into our daily routines, times of adversity, heartache or blessing? We wouldn’t feel so alone.

The truth is we are not alone. God repeats in scripture, “Surely, I am will you always to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Jesus demonstrated this reality when he left heaven and came down to be among us. What’s more amazing is He didn’t arrive for a short visit. He came to stay! Jesus indwells every Christian. “He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24b). And He reveals himself to those who desire to see Him.

Still, God only stays where He is wanted. Do you long for Jesus to come to your home? Would you recognize Him? Would you invite Him to stay?

How unfortunate it would be if Jesus passed you by? Instead, look up and invite Him into your day—into your circumstances. He’s waiting nearby.

Lord Jesus, do not pass me by. I desire an intimate, loving, on-going relationship with you. Give me eyes to see you in every area of my life. Develop a longing in my heart to be with you—to share in your life. I ask this in the Name of Jesus, amen.