Day 219/260: Read John 9

Why do bad things happen to good people? From physical ailments to natural disasters, we see good people suffer all around us. Why?
John presents to us in the ninth chapter of his gospel account a man who was born blind. The Lord’s disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” It is a common assumption that bad things happen because of sin that one has committed.

Job’s friends argued this when trouble befell him. Eliphaz said, “Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same” (Job 4:7-8). Bildad said, “Behold, God will not cast away the blameless, nor will He uphold the evildoers” (Job 8:20). Zophar’s comments to Job were similar, blaming Job for all of his suffering.

While it is true that we can suffer from our personal sin, we must not jump to conclusion that all suffering is caused by such. There are times that we are affected by the sin of others. In fact, there are times that we suffer because we refuse to sin (2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:10-12).

In addition to this, there are times that we may suffer so that God can be glorified. Jesus answered His disciples, “Neither this man nor his parent sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in Him.”

Whatever happens in this life, good or bad, look to God and glorify Him. Seek opportunities to praise Him despite less than ideal circumstances.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

John 8:31. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My ________________, you are My ________________ indeed.”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to shine the light of Christ in your life, even when bad things are happening.