(The following is the April 17 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read John 9 and pay close attention to verses 1-11.)
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (v. 2). The question revealed the first-century mindset of many regarding physical illness. They believed such woes were divine judgment for sin, in this case, the blind man’s or his parent's sin. “‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered. ‘This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him’” (v. 3).
People generally prefer their lives to be orderly and nearly ideal. We hurt when physical ailments or disabilities harm loved ones or us. We are unsettled when relationships suffer from continued turmoil. We get restless in our jobs when we must endure disappointing, unresolved troubles over which we have no control. Frustration results from injustice and unfairness. We want everything to be how we think it should be, and we can be impatient waiting for that to happen. We may wonder, “Why doesn’t God change this?” or “How can a loving God allow this to happen?”
Jesus’ answer to the disciples about the man born blind should encourage us that God is not blind to such situations. He may have a higher purpose in allowing them than we have considered, “that God’s works might be displayed in him.” These circumstances can be opportunities for God to glorify himself in front of those involved and others observing. How? God may heal a disability, but a Christian witness by the affected person can exalt God despite the disability. Difficult jobs or relationships may drive us to seek Christ and his wisdom where we might not otherwise. Injustice and trials can help us yearn for the day when our perfect heavenly Judge rights every wrong according to his plan and purposes.
Do not be too quick to complain about life’s difficulties. God may allow them for his greater glory.
Next Step:
What circumstances in your life would you prefer to be different? How can God still work in these situations for his glory?
Comments