What can we learn about God's purpose in trials from John 9:2? Setting the Scene • John 9 opens with Jesus encountering a man “blind from birth” (John 9:1). • The disciples immediately ask, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). • Their question reveals an assumption: suffering must be a direct payback for specific sin. What the Question Teaches Us About Human Thinking • We instinctively link hardship to personal failure. • We try to assign blame so we can feel we have control. • We overlook the larger purposes God may be unfolding. Jesus’ Clarifying Response (v3) “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.” (John 9:3) Key takeaway: God can allow trials for a purpose far larger than punishment—namely, to showcase His power and glory. God’s Purposes in Trials—Core Principles 1. Display His Works • The man’s blindness became the stage for a miracle. • Parallel: Lazarus’ sickness was “for God’s glory” (John 11:4). 2. Deepen Our Faith • “Consider it pure joy… when you encounter trials” because they refine faith (James 1:2-4). • Trials shift trust from self to the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:9). 3. Shape Christ-like Character • Suffering produces perseverance, proven character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4). • Refinement imagery: “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:6-7). 4. Advance His Redemptive Plan • Joseph: “You intended evil… God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). • Romans 8:28—He works “all things together for the good of those who love Him.” Lessons for Our Own Trials • Don’t rush to assign blame; seek God’s glory in the situation. • Expect God to write a testimony through adversity. • Trust that every hardship fits into a sovereign, loving design—even when motives remain hidden. • Let trials press you closer to Christ and open doors for His works to be displayed. Walking It Out • When hardship strikes, ask, “How might God display His works here?” rather than “Who messed up?” • Meditate on passages above to re-frame suffering. • Share stories of God’s faithfulness, turning personal trials into platforms for His glory. |
    |