JESUS SPEAKING
Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is still day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the blind man’s eyes with the clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing (John 9: 1–7.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
In the first century it was commonly believed that all deformity and dysfunction was the result of some form of personal sin. Therefore the disciples inquired whose sin had caused the man’s blindness. Jesus revealed that the man’s deformity came not from sin, but from the will of God. By healing the man, God was honored and glorified. Often the things that appear tragic, are actually designed to bring God the greatest glory. Tragedy and adversity are not always punishments; in fact, they are frequently the greatest blessings we will ever know.
In 2003 a 13 year old Christian girl named Bethany Hamilton was surfing when she was attacked by a 14 foot tiger shark. The shark severed her left arm just below the shoulder. After nearly bleeding to death, she was rushed to the hospital. Prior to the injury, Bethany had been one of the world’s top competitive junior surfers. Despite her strong faith, she questioned why God would allow her to endure such a tragedy. She became determined to surf again competitively. Trusting in God, Bethany entered the water 3 weeks after the accident and began training. She started with a long board and then moved to a smaller board; until she was once again able to surf on a short board. Because Bethany refused to quit she has gone on to place in and win many of the world’s top female surf competitions. Her experience has become world famous. She has received thousands of letters and numerous awards; she’s appeared on ‘20/20, Good Morning America, and the Oprah Winfrey Show,’ to name a few. She eventually published a book chronicling her struggles and victories (which was made in to a movie entitled “Soul Surfer.”) Throughout her ordeal, Bethany has remained an outspoken Christian. She thanks Jesus Christ for her strength, her courage, and her triumph. Was losing her arm God’s will? Yes. What appeared to be a tragedy, has become the greatest blessing she has ever known. With two arms she would have likely won some surf competitions; she might have even made it on to the cover of a surf magazine. But with God in her heart and one missing arm, she has been able to reach the entire world. She is now a symbol of faith and a living example of God’s ability to take the broken and make them whole again.
Is there anything in your life that you struggle with; something that seems tragic; a source of shame or pain? Take another look; you may find a wonderful blessing hidden within a seemingly apparent calamity. Seek the Lord, and He will strengthen you and lift you up. Lean on God, and let Him use you; He will take your weaknesses and turn them in to strengths. And when He transforms your life, always remember to give Him the credit He so greatly deserves. If you utilize God’s power and face your fears, many will come to see ‘the glory of God,’ revealed in you.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask that You turn our weaknesses in to strengths. May Your enduring power and wisdom give us victory over the obstacles we currently face. Heal us Father, and fill us with Your courage, that by faith, we may overcome our fears and shortcomings. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 