How can we discern God's work in our lives, as seen in John 9:33? Setting the Scene The healed man in John 9 moves from begging to boldly testifying before religious leaders. His simple, reasoned conclusion—drawn from undeniable personal experience—shows us how to spot God’s handiwork: when something cannot be explained apart from His power, the only logical verdict is “God did it.” Key Verse “If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” (John 9:33) Recognizing the Hallmarks of God’s Hand • Works that defy human limitation • A man blind from birth now sees (John 9:1 & 7) • God still specializes in the impossible (Luke 1:37) • Changes that align with Scripture • No miracle will contradict God’s revealed Word (Psalm 119:89) • Darkness to light mirrors salvation’s promise (2 Corinthians 5:17) • Fruit that reflects His character • Love, joy, peace, and the rest of the Spirit’s fruit emerge (Galatians 5:22-23) • Genuine transformation endures, unlike fleeting emotions (John 15:16) • Glory that moves toward Christ, not self • The healed man’s testimony keeps pushing attention back to Jesus, “He put mud on my eyes… I washed and now I see” (John 9:15) • True divine activity directs worship to the Son (John 5:23) • Opposition that tests but cannot overturn God’s purpose • Religious leaders threaten expulsion (John 9:22, 34) • Yet the miracle stands firm; God’s work endures (Job 42:2) Practical Steps for Daily Discernment 1. Measure everything by Scripture • “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • If an experience contradicts the Bible, it is not from God. 2. Look for Christ-exalting results • “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). • Genuine moves of God spotlight Jesus, not personalities. 3. Examine the fruit over time • “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). • Steady obedience and growing holiness confirm His work. 4. Seek confirmation through the body of believers • Wisdom is found “in a multitude of counselors” (Proverbs 15:22). • Mature believers can help test impressions against truth. 5. Notice providential fingerprints • Doors open that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8). • Patterns of guidance, provision, and timing reveal His orchestration. 6. Rest in God’s character • “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). • Trust His goodness even when circumstances are unclear. Encouragement for the Journey God is still opening blind eyes—physically, spiritually, emotionally. When you encounter the unmistakable, Scripture-consistent, Christ-honoring, fruit-bearing, enduring works that no human could stage, echo the healed man’s confident confession: “If this were not from God, it could not happen.” Stay alert, stay anchored in the Word, and you will discern His faithful hand at work in your own story. |
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