ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”  John 9:4

    I don’t know if the blind man heard this conversation or not.  I hope not.  It never feels good to know that others might be discussing our trials.  Human nature predicts that there will be voyeurs who talk about our situation rather than pray for us.  Some will claim to know the reason for our struggles.  They might conclude that: 1.)  It’s generational sin.  “What do you expect?!  Her father was like that!”  2.) It’s personal sin.  “She’s getting what she deserves.  Don’t you remember what she did in 2001?”  3.) It’s testing.  “She’s weak in her faith and this must be God’s way of testing her.”  

    All three options can be reasons I suffer.  1.) If I haven’t taken care of ungodly legacies in my family and put them under the blood of Christ, I will suffer the effects of my forefather’s sin.  2.) Sin always has consequences and if I have not repented of my rebellion, sin’s curse will still touch my days.  3.) God does test his children.  Where I am weak, He will grace my life with challenges so that my faith can grow in that area.  However, the point of this devotional is not that these three reasons don’t exist.  They do.  It’s that we, as God’s children, aren’t qualified to make judgments from afar.  Our concern is to be marked with compassion and prayer.

    Most importantly, there is a fourth option.  The reason for any of our suffering might be the same reason this man was blind.  God, in His sovereignty, allowed blindness to touch this man’s life because there would come a day when Jesus would pass by, heal him, and be glorified in that town.  Jesus binds that he may heal, wounds that He may deliver, crushes that He may bless.  Just as God planned the death of His Son and used other men’s hands to accomplish it, God also allows me to suffer at the hand of others. Crucifixion and the redemption of mankind needed to be Jesus’ story.  My own crushing needs to be part of mine for the same reason.  Jesus’ glorification.  Paul told those whom He was discipling, “Through many tribulations one must enter the kingdom.” 

    Have you been walking for decades with a limp?  On a certain day, Jesus may declare that this is your day of deliverance.  Others who have watched you live with your cross, with trust in God’s purposes in tact, will witness the power of God when you throw down your crutches and begin to dance.

What is your purpose for me today in the places where there is pain?  Reflection, faith-building, and glorifying Jesus through my tears.  I bless You instead of blame You.  Amen