Day One

Scripture: John 9:1-12.  Jesus Bible pg. 1624.

When you have an opportunity, in your Jesus Bible, read the left-hand column entitled “NOW I SEE.”  It gives great insight to God’s Work in our lives.

Observation: Imagine being born blind.  You cannot see anything.  You do not know what I tree or a sunset or even your mom looks like.  You can only feel and trust the descriptions of those who bother to describe it to you.  In ancient times, you are helpless and cast off.  No one sees you.  No one cares.

There is a man born blind.  He is a beggar.  He is trying to get of anyone, anyone who will hear and give.  Not many stop.  But Jesus sees.  Jesus notices.  Jesus stops.

The disciples question Jesus right in front of the blind man, asking who sinned, him or his parents?  Jesus responds neither.  He was born this way so God would be glorified.

Jesus then spits on the ground, makes mud, and heals the man.  Imagine the joy of seeing for the first time.  Imagine being healed.

Application: When the world does not see your hurt, God does.  When you think that God does not notice or care, He does.  When the world is crashing in all around.  God knows.  God sees.  God stops.

We do not always know why God has allowed some of the hard things and pain in our lives.  Sometimes it is the result of our own decisions or of the decisions of others.  Many times, like this man born blind, no one is to blame.  But God uses it for His glory.  God is made famous through our circumstances.

What are your difficult circumstances right now?  An illness in the family?  A relationship problem?  A tough time at home or at school?  God knows.  God sees.  He wants to come to your rescue.  Talk to Him about it.  Ask Him to be with you in the pain.  Ask Him to work in the middle of your hurt.  Ask Him to use you for His glory in your circumstance (that is a tough one!!!).  But know, God loves you.  He hurts with you in your circumstances.

Prayer.  God, I love you.  Thank you for loving me.  I do not know why You have allowed (be specific with your pain) ____________ right now.  But help me to trust You.  Help me not to run from You, but to run to You and depend on You.  Use my pain for Your glory somehow God.  You are faithful.