John 9:1-3: The Blame Game

We like to be able to point blame on something or someone. In my former job, routinely the supplier or the customer or the engineers or the management or a piece of equipment or work instruction got the blame for being the cause of a particular problem. The immediate response from people is to find someone or something to blame.

In John 9:1-3, the disciples immediately assumed that the man was blind because he or his parents sinned. They wanted to blame something (someone's sin) for the blindness. But Jesus points out that it isn't because of sin at all. The blindness was another opportunity for God to display His work. "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

I have a friend who went through a very difficult time that lasted what seemed like an eternity. At the time, we could see glimpses of God at work. But it wasn't until after the time had passed (and continues to pass) that we have a better appreciation for the numerous ways that God was present and at work and showing His power, glory, mercy and grace.

What if we started looking for God's might each time we faced something "bad"? - would the "bad" be less "bad"?
What if we immediately started asking that God's glory be demonstrated in the bad situation? - would there be more miracles?
How would our reaction be different if we started anticipating God's glory and might? I think that my eyes would be more open to expecting the best. In other words, HOPE would fill my every thought.
What great things would happen if I always anticipate, eagerly expect, urgently hope for God's glory? Not that my anticipation would bring results that would not happen if I weren't anticipating. God's glory would be there either way. But wouldn't my life be different if I were always looking for God's power and might? Wouldn't my hope be constant? Wouldn't I be Miss Joyful? I think this would be a great change in me.

Dear Jesus, who anticipated God's glory all the time, please create this same anticipation in me. I don't want to miss opportunities to see God's glory. I want to live with such hopeful, joyful anticipation that others look for Your Glory and Power because of my witness. Help me to stop looking for who or what to blame but to look to You for Your Glory. Amen.

Comments

AnonymousFebruary 13, 2010 at 6:51 AM
Amen! Amen!!
Anticipate, Expect, Believe
Change the old thought process.
God is so patient. He just waits for us to get it and says, "My child, it has been there the whole time. I will never leave you nor forsake you." DE
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