Now I see!

John 9:1-3 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.

I have been keeping a low profile this week. I am enjoying a lighter workload on many fronts, and trying to get some of my own projects done; all the while trying to spend some quality time with God. I have been listening to a lot of good quality preaching and doing some reading while checking things off my “to-do list.” Part of me is truly trying to hide from the strains that I am under and seek God as my focus. The details are not necessary, but I, just like you, am under a great load in my life right now. I am questioning many things; what does the future hold for many things, and how do I know I am doing the right thing in God’s eyes? Yesterday a pastor said in his sermon how he had come to understand he could never preach with the power he desired, without the great trials of life he didn’t desire. Otherwise, it came from the head in study, and not from the heart through the pain. <paraphrased>. God has me right where he wants me for today.

The disciples were asking Jesus what the blind man, or the blind man’s parents, had done to deserve the punishment of sin from God. It was a common throught then, and even today for God’s punishment to be evident for all to see; sometimes it truly is. But, we also must understand that is not always the case, just as Jesus said above. We are not to judge the blind man. We might judge ourselves if we know God is punishing us for a hidden or visible sin; in our hearts we may know the answer to that question. Jesus was showing the disciples that God’s sovereign hand was at work in this man’s life from blind birth. He was healed and lived likely the remainder of his life proclaiming faith in Jesus! Sadly his parents seemingly denied what they knew to be true before the Pharisees; they feared them. 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.

Thank God every day for where he has your feet for the day. Yes, he plans your steps every day. Draw closer to him and pray that he will guide you for each day. Psalm 119:133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. You are a child of God, and as a child of God you are to live for what the next life brings. Seek to draw closer to God in the midst of whatever you are facing today, and know that He is preparing you for tomorrow. The more time you spend each day with him, the more you are prepared for the trials of life that come.