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“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’

‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”
John 9:1-3 (NIV)

What happens when life takes a turn, darkness begins to cover us, and we cannot see the light? What then?

We cry out in shock, “Lord, why? What have I done? I have been a ‘good Christian,’ done what you have asked of me and tried to do your will. Why is this happening to our family?”

And though we know we aren’t promised an easy life just because we are believers, this can often be our response. The truth is in John 9:1-3. God healed the blind man so that the man and all of those around him would be amazed at the supernatural power of Jesus and know that He is who He says He is. This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! The Lord wants to work in and through us.

When terrible things happen in our lives, it does not mean these things are a consequence of our actions. In most cases, the “punishment” wouldn’t fit the “crime.” And, we don’t serve a God who works that way.

Throughout Scripture the Lord shares how His power is made aware in our weakness. He wants each of us, along with those around us, to know the power of His strength – That we can get through anything when we lean on Him. He is always by our side.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

As Christians, we are not promised a perfect life on this earth, but we are promised a perfect eternity. We don’t always have a say in how our life turns out, but we can choose how we handle the aftermath by choosing to trust God and choosing joy, even in the midst of adversity. The Lord uses adversity to help us grow closer to Him.

As he was grieving the loss of his wife, C.S. Lewis put it this way:

“But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

God’s plan for us is to build a relationship with Him and his Son, Jesus. Though He is always working for His glory and our good, sometimes we need to be reminded of our purpose, so He allows pain. (God never intended for tragedy to walk this earth, but we live in an imperfect world. I don’t believe He plans for this but allows it!)

Pain can often bring about purpose. A needle may be necessary to prevent disease but no one welcomes an injection; however, it may prevent far greater suffering. What, at the moment, may seem like intolerable pain, can lead to growth and glory (our eternity with Him)!

Sisters, I know this season can be a tough one. The word JOY is everywhere, and sometimes that is the emotion we feel the least. Call on the Lord. He is available and ready to guide you, to comfort you, to pull you through the pain. He can bring joy even in the midst of horrific suffering, because He sees the big picture and knows – the pain you’re in now is nothing compared to the glory of what comes after.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 (NIV)

Lord, Even when we don’t understand, thank you for your eternal perspective. Just as parents want the best for their children, we know your love for your children is far greater. Thank you for your love and strength. Help us to lean into it today. Bring us joy, peace and hope this season. Amen.