Problems Aren’t Always Punishment
The Word: …his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him (John 9:2-3)
Prayerful Contemplation: Murphy’s law states that everything that can go wrong, will. Although this is not always the case, many times, it seems like one bad thing keeps happening after another. And when this happens – when we lose a loved one; when business fails; when friends walk out on us – or when all these things happen at the same time, we begin to wonder, is the Lord punishing us?
It is easier to change gravity than it is to change the fact that unconfessed sin will eventually bring God’s judgment (Gal 6:7). However, Jesus clarified the misconception that every single calamity or disease is brought about by sin. He reminded His disciples of the Tower of Siloam, and the people whose blood Pilate had mingled with his sacrifices. It seemed automatic to the Pharisees and other people in that day that anything that went wrong was the result of the sins of a person or his forefathers. That the people knew the story of Job seemed to make no difference.
It therefore is no surprise that when Jesus healed a blind man, the disciples asked, “Why was he born blind? Who sinned – this man, or his parents?” Jesus had to correct their perceptions. He said nobody’s sin caused the man’s blindness – he was born blind so that God’s works would be manifested in him.
Practical Application: When things go wrong in my life, if I have not been living in sin, then I will understand that God’s grace can flow through my calamities to the core of my experience, and it is bigger than any trial or temptation that I can or will ever face. I will understand that sometimes, God allows things to happen so that I can better understand His greatness. No experience in my life is wasted – God puts all the grief, remorse, loss, into good use, and when I come out of it, as I am certain I will, I am better for it, for my good and to His glory.
After all, before the flower comes forth, the bud must split open.
Memory Verse: Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation (Isaiah 12:2).
Prayer: Father in heaven, what a blessing it is that You are not ashamed to be called our God. Thank You for Your grace, and for the reminder that Your grace is like the rain that waters the flower, and though it may be painful for the bud to open up, it is a beautiful rose that blooms shortly after. May I never forget that You are Love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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