Sermon Notes: September 27, 2026
Making Room for a Miracle - Rev. Sheryl Padgett, DDiv
Miracles are not necessarily violations of natural law. They may be moments when we recognize divine possibility, grace, guidance, and love in ways we had not been able to see before. Rev. Tom Thorpe reminds us that when an event does not fit our current understanding of natural law, we often call it miraculous; our understanding may simply be incomplete.[unity]
The main question is not only, “Do miracles happen?” It is also, “Am I able to recognize a miracle when it is right in front of me?” We can miss the sacred in ordinary life when we only expect dramatic events. Jesus continually invited people to notice God’s presence in familiar things: seeds, birds, lilies, bread, children, and daily acts of love.
A miracle can be a change in circumstances, but it can also be a shift in perception. We can experience a miracle when fear gives way to trust, resentment softens into forgiveness, hopelessness becomes possibility, or we recognize that we are not alone.
The story of the widow and Elisha in 2 Kings 4:1–7 illustrates this principle. Faced with debt and fear, the widow is asked, “What do you have in the house?” She believes she has nothing but a small jar of oil. Yet she is instructed to gather empty vessels, and her oil becomes enough to meet her need.[enterthebible +1]
The empty vessels symbolize openness. We make room for miracles by becoming willing to receive new possibilities rather than filling our consciousness with fear, resentment, constant worry, old stories, or the need to control every outcome.
Practical ways to make room:
Notice what is already present: Ask, “What do I have in the house?” Look for existing gifts, relationships, skills, resources, spiritual practices, and inner strength.
Create quiet space: Turn off the noise, sit in silence, pray, and become available for guidance.
Release an old story: When thoughts such as “Nothing works out,” “It is too late,” or “I am alone” appear, practice saying, “I am willing to see this differently.”
Take one faithful action: Make the call, ask for help, send the email, begin the project, forgive, or take the next right step.
Practice gratitude: Gratitude helps us see what is still good, beautiful, and possible.
The Ryder truck story reminds us that help may be nearer than we can see. When the truck broke down in the desert, an unexpected Ryder representative appeared and arranged the needed help. The problem was real, but so was grace. Not knowing the answer does not mean there is no answer. It does not mean there is no help, and it does not mean God is absent.
Mary Oliver’s simple spiritual instruction captures the heart of this message: “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” We pay attention to the good already present, allow ourselves to be moved by life’s wonder, and share stories of grace so others remember that divine love is at work too.[
Affirmation:
I open my heart and mind to the wonder of this moment. Divine life is present within me and all around me. I am willing to see the good, receive the love, and welcome the possibilities unfolding in my life. And so it is. Amen.
