I read in Job before reading in John this morning. In Job, Job’s buddy miserably “comforts” him with, “Man, your kids are dead, and it must be because of their sin and rebellion. You’re not, so cast yourself upon God’s mercy for whatever you’ve done that’s deserving of such suffering (8:4-6).” Cause and effect, says his friend, that’s what you’re dealing with, cause and effect.

Then, reading in John, Jesus’s disciples draw a similar conclusion.

As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

(John 9:1-2 CSB)

Blind at birth. Makes no sense. God is Sovereign. No random accidents. So, conclude the disciples, someone must have done something wrong to warrant such seemingly unfair and harsh circumstance. Whodunit?, they ask, who sinned?

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.”

(John 9:3 CSB)

So that God’s works might be displayed. Hmm . . . chew on that.

Sometimes tough stuff happens not because of what someone has done, but simply because of what God wants to do. Not because they are wrong, but in order to be part of God’s mighty work. Not because they deserved it, necessarily, but that the presence and power of God might be displayed through it.

Jesus isn’t saying that his guy, or his parents were perfect, just that it would be wrong to equate the state of their holiness as the reason for their heaviness. To sort of quote Casting Crowns out of context; it wasn’t because of who they were, but because of what God had done; not because of what they’d done, but because of who God is. And He is the God who is Sovereign over all and seeks to make Himself known to all — to all who have eyes to see (pun intended) and ears to hear.

That God’s work might be displayed. Satisfying for the “whys?” of hardship, and trial. Maybe not always . . . okay, maybe rarely. But while it may not be satisfying it can still be soothing? Submitting our situation to His sovereign purposes has a way of calming the storm. Acknowledging by faith that a good God has allowed/orchestrated less than good circumstances for His purposes, can bring a certain rest. Putting my situation within the context of His presence and power and promises, evokes a certain peace. While the “sea billows roll” it can yet be “well with my soul” (Horatio Gates Spafford).

So wait, weary saint. Wait upon the Lord. Believe, battered believer. Believe that if God is for us nothing can ultimately stand against us. And keep on keepin’ on, so that God’s work might be displayed in your circumstance.

By His grace. For His glory.