Why Did This Happen?

Chuckle: A British exchange student was asked if her country has an organ bank. She replied, "No, but we have a Liverpool."

Good Quote: "On my head pour only the sweet waters of serenity. Give me the gift of the Untroubled Mind." --Joshua Loth Liebman

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. "Teacher," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents." "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins." Jesus answered. "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him" (John 9:3 NLT)

Have you ever seen someone who was crippled, deformed, or otherwise afflicted with disease and wondered why God allowed the person to suffer such a malady? Have you asked, "what did that person do to deserve this?" Often, we may wonder if the condition is punishment for some sin he, or his parents, have committed. Is this God's way of punishing sin?

In Biblical times, a common belief in Jewish culture was that misfortune and suffering were the result of some great sin. It was commonly thought that God punished sins this way. The same question always arose. "Who sinned" and caused this to happen? Someone's transgression must have been the reason. In the case of the blind man, God had a reason for his blindness, but it had nothing to do with sins. It was to provide an opportunity for Jesus to show the power of God at work in the healing of the man's blindness.

You may be experiencing a particularly difficult time right now yourself. It might be a serious illness, financial difficulties, or a broken heart, and you may be wondering "what did I do to deserve this?" We must remember that in this fallen world, innocent people sometimes suffer. If God removed all suffering, we likely would follow Him for the comfort and convenience instead of genuine love and devotion.

Regardless of the reason for our suffering, God is in control and we should trust Him in every situation. We are assured that Jesus has the power to help us deal with the problem and make us stronger for it. Instead of asking, "why," we would do well to ask, "God, what are you wanting to teach me from this trial?" We should seek a better understanding and perspective on what is happening to us.

Whether the suffering is by someone you know, or your own, be assured it likely did not happen because some wrong has been committed. It's that God wants to reveal Himself and His power in your life. Like He did for the blind man when He restored his sight, Jesus wants to show you His power in your life to restore your spiritual sight and give you the ability to see Him in a new and refreshing way. He will help you better understand His will for your life.

Love, Jerry & Dotse