How can we trust God's sovereignty in difficult circumstances, as seen in John 9:3? The snapshot from John 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “But this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.” (John 9:3) In one sentence Jesus settles the “why” behind the man’s lifelong blindness. No accident, no punishment—God allowed it for a bigger, God-centered purpose. What this verse reveals about God • God is decisively in charge. • He permits hardship only when it serves His glory and our ultimate good. • He never scrambles to fix what evil or chance has ruined; His plan is already at work (Isaiah 46:9-10; Ephesians 1:11). Common hurdles to trusting that sovereignty – Pain feels pointless in the moment. – We think God’s love should shield us from trouble. – Limited sight tempts us to assume God’s sight is limited too (Isaiah 55:8-9). Solid reasons we can trust Him anyway 1. Scripture’s track record • Joseph: “You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). • Job: after chapters of suffering, God reveals His greatness; Job bows in trust (Job 42:2-6). 2. Christ’s own suffering • The cross looked like defeat yet accomplished eternal salvation (Acts 2:23). 3. Divine promises • “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). 4. God’s unchanging character • “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). How to lean into His sovereignty during hard seasons • Anchor every feeling to revealed truth. – Memorize John 9:3; recall it when “why?” resurfaces. • Look for God’s works on display. – Increased compassion, deeper prayer life, gospel opportunities—evidences that pain is producing glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Thank God for what you cannot yet see. – Faith chooses gratitude before sight (Hebrews 11:1). • Stay obedient in small steps. – The blind man washed in Siloam before he could see (John 9:7). Obedience often precedes clarity. • Tell the story when God’s purpose becomes visible. – The healed man’s testimony confounded skeptics and honored Christ (John 9:25). Encouraging snapshots from other passages • Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.” Stillness trusts His throne. • James 1:2-4 — Trials sharpen perseverance, forging mature faith. • 2 Chronicles 20:12 — “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” Even uncertainty can exalt God. Key take-aways to carry forward • Difficult circumstances are never random; they are canvas for God’s work. • His sovereignty does not cancel love; it proves it, because only an all-powerful God can guarantee good from pain. • Trust grows by rehearsing truth, obeying in the dark, and watching for His glory to shine through broken places. |
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