All of us at some point in life experience suffering. During these times we pray and wonder why God isn’t delivering us out of it as fast as we would like Him to. For me, that has been my question lately. I know God is powerful and that He does not rejoice in my suffering so why doesn’t He choose to deliver me, or any of us when we ask him to? I recently read some passages of Scripture that reminded me of the answer to this question.
In John 11, Jesus’ friend Lazarus is sick and his sisters Mary and Martha called for Jesus to come. However, Jesus waited a few days before making his trip to Bethany, and by the time he reached them Lazarus was already dead. The sisters greeted him grieving wondering why He did not come sooner knowing that He could have prevented their brother from dying. The disciples also questioned Jesus, but His response was, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” Did God rejoice in the death of his friend? No, he did not. In fact, this passage tells us that Jesus wept over his death, but He allowed it because in the end it would display the glory of God.
Another similar example can be found in John 9, which tells the story of the man born blind. In this passage the disciples asked Jesus who sinned that caused the man to be blind — the man or the parents. Jesus responded by stating, “Neither this man or his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
During trials, it is easy to think, “what have I done wrong to deserve this?” Yes, we live in a fallen world and our sin can have direct consequences that cause us suffering. However, direct sin from the parents or the child is not what initially caused this man’s blindness. God allowed him to be blind for many years and the reason being so that the glory of God can be displayed in his life.
Many have often asked me over the years why I believe God allowed me to be born with a physical disability. I will never fully know that answer here on this earth, but the one thing I do know is that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). That being said, disability or not, as a Christian I have been called to a higher purpose and that is to serve Jesus Christ no matter what circumstances I find myself in. It says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God works out His power in our weakness. When we are weak He is strong. I firmly believe that at certain times God can shine the brightest in our weaknesses. If we were perfect and never had any trials what need would we have for God? God can use what we think is tragic for His ultimate good. Whatever place you may find yourself in today, remember that God sees you and knows what you are going through, and He will always be your source of comfort. Allow whatever you are going through to draw you closer to your Savior and let your ultimate goal be to glorify Him no matter what the circumstances of your life are.
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