That the Works of God Might be Displayed

John 9:3b "....said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him."

It is so difficult to understand hardship, especially for "good church people" and those we feel exude Christ's image. Why do they go through hardship? Why do bad things happen to good people? The eternal, unanswered question.

Ah, but it has been answered, by Jesus Himself. "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." In this case it was a man who'd been born blind but it could be any difficulty, injustice, pain, etc. While this isn't the answer that people want - it isn't satisfying, is it? - it is the answer. We suffer for any number of reasons but in all of them the most appropriate answer is so "that the works of God might be displayed".

I am not dealing with any particular difficulties, other than being unemployed, so this answer is easy for me. Some would say that I haven't had anything to test me, and I can't really argue with that. But I'll bet that many of the people we feel are unjustly dealing with heartache, if they love the Lord, are satisfied with this answer once they think about it. Going through trials can be a way of displaying God's work, by the way we handle the issue. A way of serving God by demonstrating faith in Him and living in peace that passes understanding.

Look at the hardship and injustice Jesus dealt with and how He dealt with it....with prayer, humility, in God's strength. As a result, we are still taking about God's love 2000 years after the injustice done to Jesus. Now that is effective service to God! I hope that I'll be able to remember that when I'm in times of trial. The way I handle the situation is service to God - if done as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, Help me to look at all trials and hardships as opportunities to serve God, as an opportunity to allow God to display His works through me. May I be a good servant, even then, especially then. With your help. Amen.

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