Scripture Text: John 9:3
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
John 9:3
All our personal sufferings are occasions whereby we can manifest God’s glory in our lives (John 11:4). This is His purpose for us. Our pain is an opportunity to manifest God’s grace on us and through us.
God does not always reveal why He does what He does. We can praise Him in any circumstance because of His providential care. God never allows anything to happen to us that does not occasion His glory.
God created us for His glory and not that we might have success in life. If we do not understand this point then we will develop distortions of God’s purpose for our lives. God uses our physical problems to manifest who He is. God showed His glory through the healing of the blind man.
If we hold on to the idea that we must be free from trouble and that we must be comfortable in all situations, then we are not living in a real world. This will lead to resentment and hostility against God and others. The proper attitude is to give thanks in everything, not for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This perspective will influence others on how to deal with pain in one’s life (2 Corinthians 1:3-11).
Misfortune is not God’s primary will. He works in us through and in our problems. Sin and its consequences is due to rebellion again Him. Suffering is a test of our faith. We do not deny or avoid pain because of this.
Not all disease can be traced to actual sin, though some sinful behavior can result in sickness. Neither is the degree of sickness is not always related to sinful behavior (Luke 13:2-5). However, all sin is remotely due to the sin of Adam and Eve. And less remotely, personal sin is sometimes the cause of suffering. God does not give tit for tat in every situation.
If our suffering is the direct result of our sin, then it occasions us to receive God’s grace of forgiveness. If our affliction is not due to our personal sin, then it is an occasion for God to manifest Himself through us to others.
We cannot universalize these principles. Some sorrow defies explanation.
We need to be careful that we do not attribute evil to God’s will. Evil comes from rebellion against God.
The hardest part about suffering or struggling is that we don’t often see the reason behind it, or that it could ever be for someone else’s healing or growth. What if your stance during a difficult time was the strength someone else needed to pull through a situation ten time worse?
Take small steps towards changing your perspective this week. Start by thanking God for giving you the opportunity to be used for his glory. I know it will be hard, especially if you’ve been suffering for a long time, but I encourage you to take small steps with Peter’s words from 1 Peter 5:10, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Reflect
1. What issues are plaguing your mind?
2. How can these issues be an opportunity for God’s power to be put on display?
Remember
Suffering is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His grace and glory.
Read
Acts 28:4; John 11:4; Acts 4:21; John 14:11-13; John 11:40.
Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for Your love and Your grace. Thank You for Your wisdom and peace. Lord, this difficult situation is hurting me, but I am willing to use this situation as an opportunity for Your power to be put on display. While I don’t understand it, I know that You are in control. Show me, Lord, how to be still during this time and trust You fully with my whole heart. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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