Who sinned?

3-21-23​

Today's devotion is based on John 9:1-3, "As [Jesus] 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."'
"What did I do to deserve this?" Or "Why is God punishing me?" are phrases I hear quite often. Jesus' disciples had similar thoughts when they came upon a man blind from birth. They were sure someone had done something to deserve this punishment of blindness. The only question was who sinned.
Jesus' response to his disciples reveals a greater truth about suffering for the Christian: It is not about punishment for sin but about the work of God being revealed in us. God promises that the sufferings in this life are neither chaos nor punishment for those who believe in him. Instead, God is using all of these things to accomplish his good purposes for us. Sometimes God's work is subtle, and sometimes it is obvious. Sometimes it is easy to understand, and sometimes it isn't easy to understand—all the time, it is God's good work displayed.
Please pray with me: Heavenly Father; please assure me that as a believer, the events of my life, whether good or bad, are being used to show your mercy toward me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.