God's Purpose, God's Glory
In John 9:3, Jesus says, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him." This verse comes from the story where Jesus heals a man who was born blind. His disciples had asked Him who had sinned, the man or his parents, that he was born blind. Jesus' answer shifts the focus from blame to purpose.
This response from Jesus highlights a profound truth: our circumstances, even those that seem difficult or unfair, can be opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and glory. The man's blindness was not a result of sin, but an occasion for God to reveal His works through healing.
When we face trials or see others in hardship, it's easy to look for someone to blame. But Jesus teaches us to see beyond that. Instead of asking, "Why did this happen?" we can ask, "How can God's glory be shown in this situation?"
Jesus healing the blind man was a powerful testament to God's compassion and power. It showed that God cares deeply about our suffering and has the power to change our circumstances in ways that bring glory to Him. In our own lives, when we encounter difficulties, we can trust that God has a purpose. He can use our trials to display His love, strength, and faithfulness.
John 9:3 encourages us to look at our struggles through the lens of faith. Rather than seeing them as punishments or random misfortunes, we can see them as part of God's bigger plan. Our hardships can become testimonies of His grace and power. James 1:2-4 echoes this by saying, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Additionally, in John 11:4, Jesus says, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." This verse reinforces the idea that our trials and challenges are opportunities for God to reveal His glory and power through us.
By trusting in God's purpose, we can find hope and strength, knowing that He is at work even in our darkest moments. These trials are not in vain but are used by God to perfect and complete us, showing His mighty works in our lives. In fact, our suffering can be a powerful way to glorify God, as it allows His strength and grace to shine through our weakness. When we endure hardships with faith, we become living testimonies of God's love and power, bringing Him glory in ways we might never have imagined.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, and Ephesians 3:7-8. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. Besides writing this Blog, I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
