Bad Times

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15
John 9:1-41
Psalm 113:1-114:8
Proverbs 15:15-17

John 9: ¹As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ²His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" ³"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.

This week I am attending two funerals. There is nothing fair about what is happening in the lives of our church members. Our good friends are suffering right now and we watch as they endure hardship. No words seem appropriate, no prayers seem sufficient, and we just hurt inside... for the hurt that they feel.

And then I run across John 9:1-3. Like before, I am reminded that pain and suffering happen and according to this verse, sometimes its just random. The big question is, "How will we see God's glory during this time?" I've been seeing God work this week. I saw God in the love and faithfulness of a friend as he compassionately served his hurting wife this week. I saw God's glory as family's discussed heaven, delivered chicken, and said broken prayers. Do I understand what is happening in the big scheme of things? Nope. Do I understand why God takes one and leaves another? No I Don't. Do I wonder "who sinned" when pain comes to a family? John 9 reminds me that these types of questions aren't worth my time. What is worth my time is turning to God in the midst of the pain. Good things can come, and they will come. Right now, I just need to turn to the source of peace. God is just in his decision making. So, we trust him, knowing that he will do the right thing. He always does.