Among other things, this televangelist used such definitions to gain millions of followers and dollars. His riches were on display. Though he died some years ago, his popular writings continue to spread his teaching that faith brings earthly health and wealth—to remain sick or poor is to lack faith. Therefore his books emphasize as “miracles” such things as financial advancement, finding better employment, landing bank loans, managing time better, improving family relations, and increasing confidence. In short, he calls “miraculous” anything that seems beneficial, coincidental or surprising. His examples of modern miracles have little to do with natural laws being overruled. Many people, both religious and irreligious, move to better jobs, get favorable bank loans and improve relationships. They may find their good fortune quite unusual. But their experience can hardly be called “supernatural” when nature itself has not been altered at all.
True miracles in the Bible clearly contrasted with normal things. They accomplished what was impossible by natural means.
We are often struck with awe by the wonderful way God works in the natural world. It is altogether right to credit God, for “every good gift” comes from Him (James 1:17 cf. Matthew 5:45; 7:11). When a baby is born, we are amazed beyond words and might even call the event miraculous. However, there is great deal of difference between new parents exclaiming their wonder on the one hand, and religious leaders claiming divine authority on the other hand. Think about the time when Satan tried to tempt Jesus. Satan used the Bible’s words, but he applied them as God never intended (Matthew 4:6-7). That is why we are careful with words when we test the spirits. Many leaders like to use biblical words in unbiblical ways in order to advance their own ideas. In this case, in claiming to perform miracles, they tend to blur the distinction between what is natural and what is miraculous. Surely they are aware of the Bible’s descriptions, which show miracles as clearly supernatural. Why, then, would they define miracles in far looser ways? The reason will become more evident as more comparisons are made.