The supernatural world, the world revealed to us in the Scriptures, is normally apprehended by faith and not by our senses. But at times, though they may be few and far between, for God’s own mysterious reasons, we are allowed a window into that world. He may be trying to warn us about some danger, encourage our faith, or provide guidance in terms of our behavior.
It is a world of strange marvels, with its own set of rules that go beyond the laws of nature. And even when we get a glimpse of that other world, as the apostle Paul says, we see through a glass darkly. It may be difficult to explain to others what we see or feel in these encounters, and perplexing when we try to interpret their full meaning. Some of these experiences may be meant as special gifts to be cherished alone, others to be shared to edify others.
This volume of supernatural stories attempts to achieve the latter purpose. In sharing these very personal experiences, the writers herein hope to convey how much God cares for us and how active and close He is to us—fighting our battles and revealing the eternal consequences of our choices and behavior, even our thoughts and attitudes, here on earth.
It is true that we normally live by faith and not by sight, but some of us at certain times are given supernatural sight, hearing, and even smell. The supernatural world constantly intersects our fallen world but manifests itself at key times: during intense spiritual warfare, at the time of death, when we’re in mortal danger or dire need, and when God wants to reveal His glory. So it isn’t surprising that these stories involve angels and demons, near-death experiences, exciting rescues, miraculous provision, and manifestations of God’s presence in worship.
We know that one day all the stress and struggle will be over, as we personally go to be with the Lord after death, and finally when He returns in glory. This shadowland will be a fading memory, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes. But even now we live in the victory of His cross and resurrection, and we know that He has equipped us for the work of His kingdom. And whether or not we personally experience the supernatural as in these stories, we can benefit from those who have sampled a taste of it.
When God seems far from us and the natural world feels like the only world, we can be encouraged that the God who pulled back the curtain for a moment in the lives of these writers to reveal His power is the same God who works more silently at all times for our good.
James Stuart Bell