SCRIPTURE:
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “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
OBSERVATION:
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does God allow people to suffer?” If you have, you’re in good company. While God has many different reasons and answers to this loaded question, Jesus’ interaction with the blind man at Siloam provides one answer.
As Jesus walks with his disciples in Jerusalem, near the pool of Siloam, He and his disciples see a man born blind from birth. Assuming this man’s blindness was the result of someone’s sin, his disciples ask Jesus “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). Jesus responds “Neither this man nor his parents sinned…but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3)?
It is easy to have an oversimplified view of suffering. We assume that suffering equals sin. If someone suffers, then someone must have sinned. And while it is true that “the wages of sin is death,” not all “death” is the result of sin (Romans 6:23). Sometimes, God allows a person to suffer “so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).
In other words, this man’s blindness was in God’s plan so that God’s goodness, graciousness, and miraculousness would be revealed through Him. God allowed this man’s blindness because He wanted to do good even in the midst of this setback. God allowed this man to be blind so that he could experience God’s miracle and so that others would come to know Christ through his healing.
And that’s exactly what happens. In the verses that follow, Jesus heals this man, and the man tells those around him about the goodness of God. And because of this man’s miracle, many came to know Christ.
APPLICATION:
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who likes suffering. Suffering is hard, painful, and uncomfortable. Perhaps you even find yourself in the midst of some suffering even as you read this. And as you suffer, you wonder, “why is God allowing me to suffer?”
There are many possible answers to this question. Like the blind man, perhaps God is allowing you to suffer so that God’s good and miraculous works might be displayed in your life. As Paul writes, perhaps God is producing perseverance, character, and hope within you (Romans 5:3-5). As James says, perhaps you are suffering “so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Or maybe none of these may explain God’s reason for your present situation. While I don’t know God’s exact reason for your suffering, I do know with full certainty that regardless of the reason for your suffering, God has plans to redeem it––for God is always good.
As it says in Romans 8:28, “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.” God brings good out of bad––that’s just what He does and who He is. While it may be hard to trust God in the midst of your suffering, know that the plans He has for you are “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Yes, “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
Make it through the night, for joy comes in the morning. Suffering is an invitation to experience the miraculous. Your suffering is temporary so that you, and those around you, may experience God’s great goodness and grace. God would not allow you to suffer without having plans to redeem it. Trust in Him, stay the course, and stay faithful. And when you do, you, and those around you, will see God’s victory in your suffering, for He is always good.
PRAYER:
God,
Thank You that You are always good, even in our suffering. Thank You that Your plans for our sorrow is always redemption, and that every promise that You have made is always “Yes and Amen.” Help us, comfort us, and guide us in our suffering. When we feel like giving up, give us the strength to take one more step. When weariness overcomes our heart, overwhelm us with Your joy. And when we lack the strength to keep holding on, continue to hold onto us. Lord, You are good, and your mercy endures forever, even in suffering. Help us to remember, believe, and live out that truth.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
