This really is hard for me to understand and accept. God allows me to suffer so that His works are displayed for all to see.
“1As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2And his disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ 3Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.’” – John 9:1-4 (ESV)
Here is an example of someone suffering for his entire life, “blind from birth”, and he was given the opportunity to display the works of God as Jesus was able to heal him for all to recognize. This man was/is a testimony to the works of God. He was known around town as the blind beggar and yet now he is able to see at the hand of Jesus.
For me, this man was not looking to be healed, he was not searching for it, he was dealing with his suffering and Jesus came to deliver him from his suffering. Have I been looking too intently for deliverance, and not just carrying out the works of God? Have I been looking for relief, when I should be looking only to complete the Lord’s work?
My suffering has not been to the extent of living my whole life not being able to see, as the man above. I have been suffering only for a short while comparatively, but I have been suffering. Jesus here indicates that our role is simply to do the works of God, so that is what I should do. Regardless of our circumstances, we are to be doing God’s work and His work will be on display for all to see.
Are you simply doing the work of God? What suffering have you been enduring? How can you use your suffering for the work of God?
Trevor's Thoughts 