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.
