Glory in Unanswered Questions

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Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

We are Stepping into the Story of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Walking with Him on His journey to bring Light into the darkness. To set the oppressed free. To give sight to the blind. 

This scene in John 9 opens with a blind man on the side of the road. The disciples ask Jesus whose fault it is that the man is blind. Was it his parent’s fault or the man’s? They seem to think of the man’s state as a religious riddle to be solved.  Jesus reframes the situation for the disciples. He points to the purpose in it. The question is not, “Whose fault is it?” or “Why has this happened?” But rather, “Who is glorified in it?” 

Jesus sees the opportunity to bring sight to the blind man. First physical sight, then even more importantly, spiritual eyes to see and to believe. To bring glory to God in helping this man see the love of the Father. 

We can be like the disciples sometimes, can't we? We look at a hard situation we are experiencing or something difficult from our past and ask, “Why?” While this sometimes may be a legitimate question worth asking, ultimately, Jesus is the Light, even in the face of questions that remain unanswered. 

Perhaps our best question is not "Why?" but "How?" -- "Lord, how might I glorify you in the midst of what I'm facing?" Often, what we most need isn't in finding the answers, but in coming to the One who can help us see the next few steps we should take. It is in seeking Him, not answers to all our questions, that our truest healing lies.

Lord Jesus, you are Jehovah Rapha, the Lord that Heals. Thank you that you love us so much that you sent your Son to walk among us and ultimately die on the cross for us. Would You restore our vision and give us the strength to see the challenges we face as opportunities to bring You Glory?

1 Comment

It is important to reframe the Why question. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer a dear friend shared that she did not ask God Why?, but instead prayed: "God, let this be for Your greater glory and my welfare."

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