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:
(1)
Even If lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its
teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city
youth.
