As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “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. – John 9:1-3
In the passage above, Jesus encounters a man who had been blind from birth. When the disciples saw him, they immediately assumed that his condition was a direct result of either his own sin or the sin of his parents’. Jesus corrected their thinking by informing them that his blindness wasn’t due to sin, but so that God’s glory could be revealed in him.
Jesus’ response reminds us that not every negative situation in our lives is a consequence of our or someone else’s wrongdoing. God often allows circumstances that, while difficult, serve a higher purpose – His purpose. Isaiah 55:8 reinforces this truth, declaring that “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways.” What may appear to us as a hardship or an unjust suffering can be an opportunity for God to reveal His glory in ways we cannot possibly comprehend.
As we read further in John 9, we see that Jesus miraculously restored the blind man’s sight, leading many to question and consider who Jesus truly was. This miracle did more than give the man physical sight; it opened his spiritual eyes as well! By the end of the chapter, the once-blind man not only defends Jesus before the religious leaders, but also comes to know Him as Lord and Savior.
A similar situation unfolds just two chapters later in John 11, where we find Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus gravely ill. When Jesus receives the news, we are shocked to read that he doesn’t rush to Lazarus’ side to heal him immediately. Instead, he waits. And during this waiting period, Lazarus dies, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, are left in profound grief. But Jesus had a purpose beyond what anyone could understand. When he finally arrives in Bethany, he tells Martha, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (John 11:40). Then, in front of a crowd of mourners, Jesus calls Lazarus out from the grave, demonstrating his power over death itself. Lazarus appeared, full of life and health!
Through this miracle, Jesus not only comforts his grieving friends but also reveals his divine authority. Those who witnessed it, including his own disciples, saw a glimpse of God’s glory and His power to bring life from death. The raising of Lazarus caused many to believe in Jesus, and it set the stage for his own death and resurrection, which would ultimately bring salvation to all who believe!
Both of these stories remind us that God often works through our most challenging circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes. Just as the blind man’s healing and Lazarus’ resurrection brought glory to God and led others to faith, our trials can serve a greater purpose that we may not immediately understand.
When we face difficulties and struggles, we might be tempted to ask, “Why is this happening?” But perhaps a better question to ask is, “How can God be glorified through this?” Remember that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Even in our pain, God is at work, inviting us to trust Him and to witness His glory unfold in ways we never imagined.
Today’s Prayer. Lord, help us to trust in your higher purpose, even when we don’t understand our circumstances. Open our eyes to see your glory in our lives and use us as instruments to reveal your greatness to the world. In Your Son’s holy name, Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 