Talking Miracles with Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner became famous battling spies and terrorists on Alias. The actress won the hearts of viewers in 13 Going on 30 and Valentine’s Day. She continues to act in addition to raising her children. We interviewed Garner last year and talked about how everyday miracles have changed her perspective, why she helps others in need, and how playing Christy in Miracles from Heaven affected her faith.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.  By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:1-6

Garner explains how she has experienced every day miracles and how it has affected her outlook.

“Those moments of grace where you make a plane you didn’t think you were going to make and by making the plane, you are able to make your child’s [event] at school. Those beautiful moments that happen and they go by and you may not be able to take note of them enough to recall in an interview, but they matter and this movie is a reminder to see them, hold on to them, and be encouraged by them.” 

“these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.  People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.  If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them”. Hebrews 11:13-16

Garner opens up what it was like playing Christy in Miracles from Heaven.

“Definitely being part of the movie was a great reminder. One of the things I love about the movie is the difference between the way these characters’ faith works. Anna [the daughter], just as a person, her faith is so pure. She is so real and true and you know that is part of that little girl’s being to the core. I think the same is true of Christy, but I think it’s also very health and normal part of faith to struggle with it and to question. 

Garner shares why she feels it is important to help others in need.

“You never know who needs what when you meet somebody. There was one day I was somewhere and I saw someone and I said, ‘Hi’ to her. I didn’t know who she was, but for some reason I just stopped and had a conversation with her. I found from a friend later that Alias had been her [this woman’s] husband’s favorite show and he had recently passed away and she had felt like this was a sign from him. That was a moment for her that I got to be a part of just by the happenstance of being in a good mood and having enough coffee to say, ‘Hi.’ [Laughter] But what if I hadn’t? What if she had seen me and I had meant something to her and I had been rude? You don’t know. So it’s a reminder to go with a full heart into the world all the time and to take in what there is to take in and put out any good that you can.” 

Risen Reflections

Help someone in need. It doesn’t need to be a huge outreach or planned event, it can be a simple act of kindness. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone you can help. From bringing a meal to a friend in need, donating clothes to a women’s shelter, think about ways that you can serve someone else. You can even volunteer with a friend or your small group at a local non-profit our outreach ministry of your church. Reflect on ways other people have helped you during a time of need. It can be a listening ear, offering advice, or helping in a tangible way and think of a similar way that you can help someone else.

Stretch your faith. Take time this week to reflect on examples throughout the Bible of those that lived by faith. Start by reading Hebrews 11 and then look closer at the stories of the characters that are referenced. Think about how each of them turned to God during their time of need and how God provided for them. Turn to God with your situation. Whether it is a financial struggle, health issue or family conflict, God wants us to turn to Him. He wants to comfort us and help guide us through the situation. We often try and face the conflict on our own and forget that we have the God of the universe on our team.

Remember God’s provision and miracles. Whether it is a seemingly small every day miracle or something huge, God still works in ways beyond our comprehension. It is important for us to thank him and remember those times of provision. They can be serve as an encouragement when another person goes through a similar situation. Take time this week to write down ways God has provided for you.