Friday, August 28, 2015

Faithful Sufferers
By Susan Klein

“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus said, “but this happened so that the work of God may be displayed in his life.”
John 9:2-3 (NIV)

The Gospels are filled with examples of people being miraculously healed by Jesus. In the above story, Jesus is walking along with His disciples when they come across a man who was blind since birth. The disciples assume (by their question) that surely someone in the man’s family had sinned greatly to bring on such a tragedy. But Jesus enlightens them with truth. His blindness was an intentional  act of God, happening so that others might see the work God was going to do through him. He was chosen to be blind. Jesus then does something peculiar, yet purposeful. He spits on some dirt, pats it into a wad of mud and smears it on the man’s eyes. He receives sight. Lives are impacted. The work of God is displayed.

But, what about the countless others who are not healed? We don’t read their stories in Scripture. Many suffer, not all are healed. It’s a difficult calling, to suffer for God’s purpose, but many are called to do just that. Maybe it’s you. Perhaps you (or someone you know) were born with a condition that you’ve had to endure your whole life. “Why not heal me?” you question. “You healed the blind man, and the bleeding woman, and the leper…” Why not? Same reason. So that the work of God may be displayed in your life.

This very message is conveyed in the Kutless song, “Even If.”

You are God, You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come

Lord we know your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who you are…

You’re still the Great and Mighty One
We trust you always
You’re working all things for our good
We’ll sing your praise (1)

Can you trust in Him?  Are you willing to accept the suffering you’ve been allowed, and trust that God is good, and always faithful? Even if you (or your loved one) are never healed, will you believe in and sing the praises of the Great and Mighty One who has allowed this to happen in your life so that His wondrous works might be displayed?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Discover what happens when you sing a familiar praise song in the midst of your suffering. Or use the song above by clicking on this link: “Even If” by Kutless.
2. Recognize that your suffering may be preparing someone else for blessing, and be willing to be used.

FURTHER READING:
James 5:10-11; 1 Peter 5:10

[1] Even If lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood.