³ “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. ⁴ We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. ⁵ But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 9:3-5

Dear God, why does anything happen, really? Well, maybe not “why,” but what can we do with it? I saw a video from this week about a boy with a systemic arthritis disease who was noticed by a YouTuber. Cutting the story short, the boy has gotten a lot of attention over the last three weeks, has taken good done to him and paid it forward to others, and then has been blessed in return. He still has a long, painful life ahead of him. And he didn’t end up this way because of any sins he or his parents committed. But the question is, what will you do with their situation to redeem it? Who will he get to bless throughout the rest of his life because of this difficult struggle? Did this happen so your power could be seen in him?

I can look at my own life circumstances and ask myself why. Why this? Why that? And, to be clear, I am not to be pitied by anyone. I have a very good life, all things considered. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have deep sorrows. But why did this happen? What will I do with my sorrows? Will I just go on my own way, or will I allow the pain to shape me? Will I use it so that your power can be seen in me?

Father, as I encounter people today who are struggling, help me to remember to offer them your redemption in their situation. Love them. Heal them. Bring glory to your name through their lives. For the blind man in this story and all that he and his parents endured 2,000 years ago, I thank you. I thank you that their story is still relevant for me today. For us today. They had no idea that their story would be told again and again for the next 2,000 years all over the world. In every language. My story will certainly not be that big, but it might touch someone. May it all be for your glory. Your plan. Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen