As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1–3 NIV

We Don’t Like Pain

It’s our human nature to internalize everything we experience in life, especially when those experiences aren’t favorable. There’s usually a song of “why me’s” coupled with tough questions like “what did I do to deserve this?” and “how long do I have to endure this?” The disciples had similar questions for Jesus as they encountered a blind man eager to receive his sight. “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” They were determined to find out who was at fault for this man’s condition.

It reminds me of Job’s friends after he lost everything. What if we thought about our issues, shortcomings, or difficult times as an opportunity of a lifetime? It’s tough to conceptualize because humans do not like pain. I know I don’t!

Pain Can Be An Opportunity

This is my challenge to you, though. Instead of allowing the pain, the difficult situation, the strained relationship, or any other issue that would normally take up negative space in your heart and mind, think of those things as opportunities to put God’s power on display. If you have a journal, ask yourself the following questions:

• What issues are plaguing my mind?
• How can these issues be an opportunity for God’s power to be put on display?

The hardest part about suffering or struggling is that we don’t often see the reason behind it, or that it could ever be for someone else’s healing or growth. What if your stance during a difficult time was the strength someone else needed to pull through a situation ten time worse?

Take small steps towards changing your perspective this week. Start by thanking God for giving you the opportunity to be used for his glory. I know it will be hard, especially if you’ve been suffering for a long time, but I encourage you to take small steps with Peter’s words from 1 Peter 5:10, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for your love and your grace. Thank you for your wisdom and peace. Lord, this difficult situation is hurting me, but I am willing to use this situation as an opportunity for your power to be put on display. While I don’t understand it, I know that you are in control. Show me, Lord, how to be still during this time and trust you fully with my whole heart. In Jesus Name, Amen.

This devotion originally appeared on Devotable written by Fiona Williams

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