John 9:1-3
"Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?'
Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in Him.' "
We read this passage a little while ago for family devotions, and it really struck me how this poor man, who likely had a very hard life, had suffered so much all for the glory of God.
God had planned this whole thing; a baby was born blind so that years later, Jesus would be glorified by healing him.
The blind man must have felt so useless and frustrated and probably angry at times. Perhaps he wondered why he had ever been born, if all he had was this life of darkness and worthlessness.
But God had a huge plan for him. I mean, he made it into the Bible! He was not worthless. His life and his story had, and still have, a purpose.
People passing him on the street probably didn't think so. Maybe he didn't think so.
But God's "ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts", "who can understand the work of God, from beginning to end?" (Isaiah 55:8-9, Ecclesiastes 3:11)
We think we know things. We think we understand. But often we don't.
And that is why it is so important for us to believe that God does have a plan and purpose.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Eclessiastes 3:11
When I am not feeling well, it's so easy, so tempting, to start thinking that I am worthless or a bother or that I am not good enough, that all I do is let people down, and just really get sucked into that downward spiral.
But if you change your perspective, and you see things from the point of view of a child of God, where this perfectly loving and merciful Heavenly Father works all things together for your good, you can believe that even though somethings hurts or troubles you now, it does have a greater purpose and God is keeping His promises and He will sustain you.
You can believe that God will redeem all the difficult circumstances and trials for your highest benefit and optimal growth and for the salvation of your soul.
You can sit back in awe and wonder at the mysteries and wisdom of God.
I have come to realize there is such an irony to our trials... we feel burdened, we feel tired, we feel worthless even. We beg God to restore us to health, or to save or destroy or rescue or whatever it is we think is best.
But if I had not struggled with my health, I would not be writing this today. By God's grace, I have grown in every way, and I am so much better off now as a person and a Christian and a wife and mother and friend than I ever would have been if things had continued they way they were for the first 25 years of my life...
The last five years have brought the hardest times and also have been the most maturing and blessed years of my life. There is a direct connection between trials and blessings. Satan wants us to give up when things get difficult, to "curse God and die", but we can say with fullest confidence, "God meant it for good."
Sometimes, God blesses us with hindsight and we can actually see how things really were working out for the best. Other times, we may not realize in this lifetime the exact purpose of a particular struggle. But we can still believe that He has it all under control, and it is Ok. He will sustain us, carry us, break us down, hold us and whatever else it is we need for things to be perfect. Because someday, they will be.
Someday, sooner or later, we will be perfect. And He will open our eyes to see Him as He is and we will not feel any of these burdens or sorrows ever again.
Our trials not only help us and grow us, but they can help others as well. A double blessing. It's something that, every time I meditate on it, really just moves me to worship God and His amazing works and ways.
How can we not thank and praise such a marvelous God that can turn such ugly, broken messes into beautiful works of grace? How incredible that such a great God would choose to use us sinners in His plans, for the sanctification of others.
Whatever you are struggling with, big or small, rest assured, it is not by accident, it is not forever, and He hears you.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests by made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever Amen." (Philippians 4:19-20)
"Fear not I am with thee, O be not dismayed;
for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with thee, thy trials to bless,
and sanctify to thee the deepest distress.
When through fiery trials they pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee,
I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."
-How Firm A Foundation (hymn)
"Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?'
Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in Him.' "
We read this passage a little while ago for family devotions, and it really struck me how this poor man, who likely had a very hard life, had suffered so much all for the glory of God.
God had planned this whole thing; a baby was born blind so that years later, Jesus would be glorified by healing him.
The blind man must have felt so useless and frustrated and probably angry at times. Perhaps he wondered why he had ever been born, if all he had was this life of darkness and worthlessness.
But God had a huge plan for him. I mean, he made it into the Bible! He was not worthless. His life and his story had, and still have, a purpose.
People passing him on the street probably didn't think so. Maybe he didn't think so.
But God's "ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts", "who can understand the work of God, from beginning to end?" (Isaiah 55:8-9, Ecclesiastes 3:11)
We think we know things. We think we understand. But often we don't.
And that is why it is so important for us to believe that God does have a plan and purpose.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Eclessiastes 3:11
When I am not feeling well, it's so easy, so tempting, to start thinking that I am worthless or a bother or that I am not good enough, that all I do is let people down, and just really get sucked into that downward spiral.
But if you change your perspective, and you see things from the point of view of a child of God, where this perfectly loving and merciful Heavenly Father works all things together for your good, you can believe that even though somethings hurts or troubles you now, it does have a greater purpose and God is keeping His promises and He will sustain you.
You can believe that God will redeem all the difficult circumstances and trials for your highest benefit and optimal growth and for the salvation of your soul.
You can sit back in awe and wonder at the mysteries and wisdom of God.
I have come to realize there is such an irony to our trials... we feel burdened, we feel tired, we feel worthless even. We beg God to restore us to health, or to save or destroy or rescue or whatever it is we think is best.
But if I had not struggled with my health, I would not be writing this today. By God's grace, I have grown in every way, and I am so much better off now as a person and a Christian and a wife and mother and friend than I ever would have been if things had continued they way they were for the first 25 years of my life...
The last five years have brought the hardest times and also have been the most maturing and blessed years of my life. There is a direct connection between trials and blessings. Satan wants us to give up when things get difficult, to "curse God and die", but we can say with fullest confidence, "God meant it for good."
Sometimes, God blesses us with hindsight and we can actually see how things really were working out for the best. Other times, we may not realize in this lifetime the exact purpose of a particular struggle. But we can still believe that He has it all under control, and it is Ok. He will sustain us, carry us, break us down, hold us and whatever else it is we need for things to be perfect. Because someday, they will be.
Someday, sooner or later, we will be perfect. And He will open our eyes to see Him as He is and we will not feel any of these burdens or sorrows ever again.
Our trials not only help us and grow us, but they can help others as well. A double blessing. It's something that, every time I meditate on it, really just moves me to worship God and His amazing works and ways.
How can we not thank and praise such a marvelous God that can turn such ugly, broken messes into beautiful works of grace? How incredible that such a great God would choose to use us sinners in His plans, for the sanctification of others.
Whatever you are struggling with, big or small, rest assured, it is not by accident, it is not forever, and He hears you.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests by made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever Amen." (Philippians 4:19-20)
"Fear not I am with thee, O be not dismayed;
for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with thee, thy trials to bless,
and sanctify to thee the deepest distress.
When through fiery trials they pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee,
I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."
-How Firm A Foundation (hymn)
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