Interesting theological point. How does an external observer tell the difference between God's Miracles and a Shaman's magic? Both defy physical law.
What does it matter if God on occasion manipulates the natural order of things that He set up, from time to time? He has the perogative to do so whenever He pleases. And that is not called magic but miracles, which is not the same thing. Miracles are used to verify the existance and power of God to unbelieving people and, to the best of my knowledge, are almost always beneficial to people.
So what is the point of science if God can arbitrarily step in and undermine it? And who says magic isn't beneficial?
If someone is on a plane and God just swats it out of existence, what is the point of aerodynamics? Don't say that God is always benign because we see Him killing many -- directly or by proxy -- in The Old Testament.
So what is the point of science if God can arbitrarily step in and undermine it?
Because God doesn't always step in and *undermine* it. I would also say that perhaps *overriding* it would be a more accurate term than *undermining*; God does not work against Himself. The point of science is to learn more about the world in which we live and use it to better our lives. Just because God is capable of intervening, and does, doesn't invalidate science or the need for it. Science is a useful tool and has provided many benefits but it doesn't need to be thrown out just because it can occasionally be overridden.
The other point about God being benign: God is good but that is not the same as being benign. Only evil need be concerned about facing His judgment because He is also just and that is part of being good.