Today’s Encouragement is John 9:2-3 NLT “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” [3] “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.
Who sinned –
We often think this way, both about others and about ourselves… “this or that bad thing happened because of my (their) sin.”
Jesus forever set the record straight, though at times we still don’t fully grasp the amazing truth He reveals here.
First, Jesus explained that the man was born blind, not because of his sin nor his parent’s sin (of course, both had sinned because… we all sin! Rom 3:23) but so that God’s power could be seen in him!
Jesus stated clearly – “It was not because of sin!”
Consider for a moment… If the man’s blindness was caused by sin, his or his parent’s, wouldn’t we all then be blind, because all have sinned? Wouldn’t all afflictions, birth defects, diseases, all tragedies, all suffering… be handed out by God as punishments? Is this idea – in any way – consistent with the God who offered Jesus Christ to save us, free us, and make us sons and daughters of the Living God? NO! This is not how God treats His beloved children!
Instead, God can and will USE our disability, our weakness, our troubles, our tragedies for demonstration of His power. None of us is perfect, we all have weaknesses, whether it is physical, emotional, or mental, each person has weaknesses… some are more visible than others, some easier to hide.
But… Is it possible that – Our weaknesses are God’s opportunity to show His Power, to compensate, to heal, to complete, to overcome. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT) “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Father God, help us to recognize our need for you, in every weakness, every hardship, every trouble… so that Your strength can work in and through us to make us strong!
Your Grace is Enough
Matt Maher
Today’s Encouragement 