Key Verse: “As he was passing by, 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,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3 CSB)
It’s an age-old question, with no easy answer: If God is so powerful and good, then why does He allow pain and suffering? What purpose does God have for permitting hardship in our lives? Why do we have to face trials?
The origin of suffering was on the minds of the disciples and they encountered a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” they asked Jesus, “who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (v.2). While it might seem like a bit of a strange question, it may have been a reflection of some early Jewish rabbinic teaching that suggested that suffering was the result of sin. Evidently, this was a point of discussion or debate as the disciples encountered this man blind from birth. Why was this man suffering? Whose sin had caused his condition?
Jesus, however, turned the conversation in a slightly different direction in how He responded. “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered, “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him” (v.3). This man’s lifelong blindness wasn’t so much an issue of who did or didn’t sin. Rather, it was about God’s purpose for allowing this condition.
Similarly, when Jesus received word of the life-threatening illness of His good friend Lazarus, He said this about the situation: “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). As difficult as these situations were for all involved, there was a greater plan unfolding that would result in the glory of God.
This is part of the purpose of God in allowing suffering and pain in our lives. It’s about the glory of God. God wants to use these trials and circumstances as an opportunity to put the majesty of His glory and grace on display for all to see. The Apostle Peter wrote, “You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Part of God’s purposes in our suffering is using these circumstances to shape our character in order to make us more like Jesus. When we suffer pain and hardship but continue to remain steadfast and firm in our faith no matter what the circumstances, God is honored. When we find reasons for joy even when it’s painful, we point others to surpassing greatness of God’s presence in our lives. We declare to the world that He is good and worthy of our faith no matter what. We shine the spotlight on Jesus!
Are you walking through hardship or trials right now? Are you facing painful or difficult circumstances? Perhaps God wants to use this season as an opportunity to display His mighty works in you. Meditate today on His goodness. Invite Him to strengthen your faith and to help you persevere, so that Christ will receive all of the glory.
Prayer: Jesus, I choose to trust you in every season and circumstance. Even when it is hard, I know that you are always good and faithful. Strengthen my faith in you right now, and show your glory through me. No matter what I face, display your mighty works in my life for all to see. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
