John 9:3: “Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”

Reflection:

It is human nature in life to seek reasons for our pains and afflictions. We automatically ask ourselves, “Why am I suffering? What have I done?” It is a natural tendency to believe that our suffering is directly related to our actions or punishment for our wrongdoing.

However, Jesus offers a contrary view in John 9:3, when He states that the blind man’s affliction was not caused by sin but existed so that “the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
This is a reminder that not all suffering is due to personal sin. Sometimes suffering in life has a higher purpose; it is an opportunity to demonstrate God’s glory. However, it must be understood that God’s glory can be revealed only through Jesus Christ alone.

People always experience trials. Financial woes, health issues, and marital problems are enormous burdens. But if we let Christ be at the center of those times, they can become opportunities of divine proportion for God’s glory to shine through us. When Jesus is working, our pain and struggles no longer define us. Instead, they are a canvas upon which God desires to paint His masterpiece in our lives.

A Personal Experience:

There was this man, Daniel, who had lived a life detached from God. He rejected every invitation to attend church, refused every discussion about Jesus, and had this notion that life was no more than a series of random events. Yet, in spite of his pride, life had not been kind to him. His career was crumbling, his health was failing, and he had an inner void.
One morning, Daniel woke up to discover that he was unable to walk. His legs had been paralyzed. For weeks on end, he remained in bed, angry and confused. He blamed everything and everyone but himself; however, the pain did not cease. It was not until a preacher visited him that a transformation began to take place. The preacher prayed a simple prayer for him, requesting healing and peace in Jesus’ name.

And incredibly, Daniel got up. His paralyzed legs were healed. But that healing was not just physical—it was spiritual. In this moment, Daniel realized that his pain had been a vehicle for God’s glory to be revealed. He had been pushed to a point where he had no other option but to encounter the grace of Jesus Christ, and his life was forever changed.

Application:

What does this mean to you today? It means that regardless of whatever challenges you’re facing, God’s glory is able to operate through your life. If things are difficult, don’t automatically assume that the problems arise due to your personal mistakes or sinful behavior. Instead, recognize that God can turn your struggles around as a point to demonstrate His magnificence.

In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul states, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Whatever difficulties you may be going through, these difficulties are temporary. But the glory of God that will be revealed in you is eternal.
If you have not already done so, I encourage you to invite Jesus into your life. His presence will bring peace and significance to every circumstance. With Jesus, difficulties can be approached not with despair, but with an expectation of the glory that will be revealed through you.

Prayer/Confession:

Dear Father, thank you for the reminder that even my suffering can be used by you to manifest your glory. Enable me to trust you, most especially during trials, with the confidence that your Spirit is at work in me. I pray for the strength to bear my trials and the wisdom to discern your presence in every moment. May your glory be manifested in my life through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Closing Thought: Remember that your struggles are not unnoticed. With Christ, they are an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed. Allow Him to work in and through you today, and watch Him show Himself great in your life.