March 26
John 9:2-3
“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.”
A common belief that most of us have is that people suffer as a way of punishment for their sins, which isn’t always true. Jesus used the blind man’s disability to glorify God, not to punish him because of his parents’ sins or his own sin for that matter. This same thing applies to our suffering. Our life is not our own therefore we can view some of our sufferings as an offering to God. Seeing things in this way helps strengthen our faith, teach others about faith, and bring glory to God.
Secondly, it is very crucial that you know the truth, which is God doesn’t want evil for you. All He has planned for you is good, and if you do not realize that you will waver terribly in your faith because subconsciously you will feel God doesn’t care for you. Furthermore, the fact that we do not belong to ourselves gives God every right to use us for His glory. When you see someone going through a particular situation, do not jump to conclusion. Do not judge their entire existence, concluding on what may or may not have happened to them. Yes, there are some self-inflicted sufferings that we bring upon ourselves but there are also some that God uses to build our faith and that of others and bring glory to His Holy name.
When you are low and struggling in your suffering, ask God what He wants you to do in that suffering because everything must glorify His Holy name! Additionally, you must intentionally change your mindset and the way you view certain things in life. Take heart and rejoice even in your valleys, and allow every circumstance to bring glory to God.
