“Our good, His glory.”

John Chapter 9 Devotional

I feel like one of the hardest hitting truths in the Bible is the verse that says “in this life you will have trouble…” It doesn’t say “you might,” it says “you will.”  I had a very personal experience with this recently, a “cry out to God for help” moment when I found myself in a pit of despair and confusion. My family was in the midst of a tragedy, and as I watched my granddaughter Lucy play happily in my yard, unaware of the pain the adults in her life were experiencing, the sadness nearly overtook me. Lucy was picking flowers and humming a tune she had learned at Sunday School, not a care in the world. What should have been an “Awww, look how sweet” moment for me instead became an overwhelming feeling of anxiety and sadness, knowing that she, like her momma, my precious daughter, would not be immune to the sufferings of this world. None of us are. And that can be a very anxiety inducing awareness. 

I feel like a natural response when we go through trials or tragedies in our life is to ask God “Why me? What did I do to deserve this?” In John chapter 9, a similar question is asked:

 “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?” (John 9:1-2)

Our human nature wants to immediately pass blame; to place others, ourselves, and even God at fault. But Jesus’ response to them still holds true for us today:

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

In the midst of suffering, it’s hard to remember that God could be using our situation so that His works might be displayed.  We may even selfishly resent the fact that we have to endure suffering in order for Him to receive glory. When others are suffering, we often quote the words of Romans 8:28 when trying to provide them comfort: 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

And though it may not be the best timing to speak these words when someone is in the throes of tragedy and grief, I think all of us can look back on the most difficult and heartbreaking events of our lives and see that God does truly bring good out of all situations for those who love and live for Him. 

Praising Him in the storm is hard, but if you are in the midst of a trial, tragedy, or difficult season of life, take heart. Grieve, mourn, and cry out to the God who loves you and cares for you. Surround yourself with those that God may use to comfort you and allow them to minister to your heart. Trust and lean into the One who will sustain you.

The man born blind waited many years to be healed from his affliction. Some people wait their whole lives to be delivered from their suffering. I cannot imagine the elation that the blind man and his family and friends felt when Jesus healed him. How much greater will our joy be when He heals us from the pain of this world. 💗

Reflection:

Think of the hardest thing you’ve ever been through in your life. How did God work in the situation to bring you good? To bring Him glory?

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

How has God used others to comfort you in your hardest trials?

How can you use your past trials and sufferings to comfort someone who may currently be in distress?