Reading John 10 yesterday, my joy was full.

It is easy to see our chronic illness or disability in the light of the daily hard, the isolation, and the pain and suffering. I find myself sometimes feeling as if it is all my fault. What if I had done “whatever” differently. Would I still be suffering? Is this punishment for something?

Look at John 10: “9 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jn 9:1–5.

This man’s disability had purpose. God was using it to reveal Himself through this man’s disability and healing.

Later in the chapter, this man gave a clear testimony of God.

“30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jn 9:30–33.

As I read, my heart rejoiced. God is God and able to use our lives in the same way, to bring glory to Him. It brought joy to think that there is purpose in the pain!