People interchange these two words—yet, one is filled with possibilities, while the other is an unsubstantiated claim or mere perception.
Still, when we speak of God’s promises and His supernatural provision of those promises, people immediately think of paranormal gibberish.
These two words are NOT the same—despite what dictionaries claim.
Supernatural—(Webster): 1. Of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe, especially: of or relating to God. 2a. Departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature.
Supernatural—(Dictionary-dot-com): 2. Of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or attributed to God. 3. Of a superlative degree. 6. Behavior supposedly caused by the intervention of supernatural beings. 7. Direct influence or action of God on earthly affairs.
Ok, now the other word:
Paranormal—(Webster again): not scientifically explainable.
Paranormal—(Dictionary-dot-com): of or relating to the claimed occurrence of an event or perception without scientific explanation.
Ahem! Nothing about God in those definitions…
Webster and Dictionary-dot-com aside, God promises some amazing things in the Bible, and then backs them up with supernatural occurrences. How about this example regarding God’s promise of peace, His promise to protect His beloved, and His promise to act on our prayers:
Imagine being a lowly prophet-in-training under the great prophet Elisha. You wake up, exit your tent and find yourself surrounded by hoards of enemy armies—lines of riders on war horses, thousands of chariots, battle hardened men dressed in armor with swords, spears, and arrows all pointed at you. They are ready to shed blood. They are hollering and shouting obscenities, stamping their feet, banging swords against shields. It’s noisy and aggressive and intimidating—all to drive fear into the heart of the servant. And they succeed.
But God supernaturally steps in…
2 Kings 6:13–18: So the king said, “Go and see where [Elisha] is, so I can send men to capture him.” When he was told, “Elisha is in Dothan,” he sent horses, chariots, and a massive army there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh my master, what are we to do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “LORD, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. When the Arameans came against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike this nation with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to Elisha’s word.
The supernatural definitions from Webster and Dictionary-dot-com come alive in scripture!
Existing beyond the visible, especially relating to God.
Departing from what is usual.
Transcending the laws of nature (which God created!).
To a superlative degree.
Behavior caused by the intervention of supernatural beings (God’s angel army).
Direct influence or action of a deity on earthly affairs.
Pretty cool, huh?
Can you imagine praying to our Almighty Father and He instantly gives you the supernatural ability to see His army? All to alleviate your fear? All to provide you with His promised peace and comfort? Where you find joy in living—not fear?
Even the concept of God’s angel army is incredibly supernatural—since they are normally busy battling for us in the spiritual realm—where we cannot see them (read Ephesians 6:12).
Can you imagine praying again, and as the hoard races to kill you, watching the utter confusion as they go blind? All of this to prove to a lowly servant God’s love, protection, peace, and joy. Note God’s army never battled the Arameans! When commanded, they abandoned their normal duties and lined up on a mountain—all to help this one guy see (and understand) the supernatural, powerful God he served.
So why the big discussion about the supernatural? Because in this world turned up-side-down God’s promises still stand! And He will act supernaturally to help even the lowliest of His believers feel His peace, and comfort, and joy, and love.
Get ready to witness some amazing supernatural God stuff over the coming months as He shows Himself to His beloved followers.
Amen and Amen!