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When You Need a Miracle: Stories to Give You Faith and Bring You Hope

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There are books that are read cover to cover, and then there are books like "When You Need a Miracle" where you can't help but feel the warmth of God's heart embracing yours. From page to page this book envelopes God's love and mercy for each of us and assures that His is always with us and always at work even in our darkest hour. Ann Spangler has the ability to present God's message to you in a way where you will sense His Spirit through every word and feel the warmth of His embrace within each page.

The book focuses on Scriptures that reveal God's angels at work as He draws us nearer to Him through our deepest valleys. We are reminded that through it all, even when we are unable to "feel" God's presence, He is behind the scenes working miracles. The book gives you a refreshed hope that God wants to work a miracle in your life too. Each reading gives you a Scripture to meditate on, a story or devotional about God's faithfulness, and a prayer for inner reflection.

My only disappointment with the book would be that I expected more modern stories that would "awe" me and cause me to really step out in greater faith. Saying that, I found that the devotionals and stories certainly affirmed my faith, and brought me great peace and confidence in my ever faithful God.

*A special thank you to Zondervan for providing me this book free for review.

If you're looking for a nugget of encouragement, Ann Spangler offers dozens of stories of hope in WHEN YOU NEED A MIRACLE. This collection is drawn from Spangler's previously published AN ANGEL A DAY and A MIRACLE A DAY, so in a way this is a compilation of compilations.

The first and largest part of the book focuses on angelic encounters. Spangler explores the gift of angels, guardian angels and messenger angels, as well as angels in disguise. She explains that all too often Christians ignore the role that angels play in our lives. Some are afraid that discussing angels will distract from the wonder and power of God. Others simply struggle to take angelic beings seriously. She writes: "Like it or not, angels are important players in the drama of salvation. Perhaps it's time we paid a little more attention to these powerful and loving allies that God has given us. True, there are dangers. We must not forget that worship belongs only to God, no matter how beautiful or powerful some of his creatures may be. We must also remember that angels are but one way that God works in the universe."

Each entry is divided into a one-to-two page reading that opens with a scripture and then offers a reflection or story. "Ladder of Angels" reflects on the ladder Jacob saw in Genesis with the angels of God ascending and descending on it. She reminds readers that the distance between heaven and earth, between God and mankind, was bridged through Jesus.

"The Angel and the Oatmeal" tells the story of a woman who recalls encountering an angel while eating breakfast as a child. The angel wore clothes that appeared to be made out of light and offered her encouraging words she needed to hear. When she was done eating, the angel disappeared. Though she never told anyone about the encounter, that was when God became real for her. It was a turning point in her life and a powerful reminder that God would never leave or forsake her.

The short readings range from personal stories to theological reflections to testimonies of others who have encountered angels. This diversity helps keep the reader's interest throughout.

The second part of the book focuses on miracles and examines the miraculous events that occur when you pray as well as miracles of healing, life and death. In "The Wedding Miracle," Spangler examines the wedding in Cana and Jesus' turning water into wine. She writes: "Remarkably, this wonderful miracle came about because Mary noticed someone else's need and brought it to her son's attention. Because of the simple prayer of a compassionate woman, grace was released that set the saving plan of God in motion. It may even be that the Father was waiting for a prayer like hers before shifting things into high gear. Whatever the case, we should be encouraged. The miracle urges us to pray."

Overall, WHEN YOU NEED A MIRACLE is an encouraging book. Recommended to fans of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

When I read that this devotional was mainly about angels, I wasn't sure how much I would like it. There has been so much "hype" about angels in recent years that I tend to steer away from a lot of the material. But, I have to say that each day I can't wait to read the new devotional.... these are absolutely outstanding!! They are well written and so encouraging. Do not hesitate to buy this devotional!!!

By Albert C. Bender, Author of "You Are Forever In Time"...It's a beautiful written book. And, I love the authors sincere approach on the subject....That is, if one sees "Miracles" as coming from some external unknown Godly means? ...In life there is no such thing as an "Accident", everything is caused by choice...So, if 100 people die in a plane crash and only one should survive, is that a miracle?..I call it fate. The word miracle is used too loosly in describing incidents in life...This a great story for those who beliver in such, and I applaud those in doing so. Stay with what you believe in...But, people should ask themselves this question, if they really care. And, that is, "Who and What is God" ?