God at Work

…that the works of God might be displayed….

John 9:3

I read the paragraph over and over:

"You and I will suffer not just because we live in a fallen world or because we have an enemy who devours and destroys. We also suffer because of God’s zeal for the display of his own glory. He works so that things will be visible in us that are explainable only by his presence and power. He ordains hard things that we do not want to go through so that in us his power will be revealed."*  

I question God as I untangle my heart from the complexities of a narcissistic relationship: How did I miss seeing the indicators during the engagement? Why did You wait so long to show me the source of my confusion and pain? Why did You allow me to marry a narcissist?  

God always answers when I ask in sincerity and in faith. With time, I learned: 1) I could not know what I did not know, and 2) God showed me the truth I sought when I was ready to see it.

The paragraph I read over and over answers my third question, “Why did God allow it?” When Jesus healed a man blind from birth, the disciples asked why the man was born blind. Jesus answered, “…that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3b).

Jesus offered this same response when he heard of Lazarus’ death: “…it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).

These two biblical stories challenge me to offer my own painful story to God and trust Him to be glorified in it. This spiritual truth has not eased the pain. It has, however, provided hope—hope that God will be glorified in His time and according to His will.

Of course, trusting requires faith; not a magical kind of faith, but faith that God is who He says He is—all powerful, all knowing, all loving, eager to redeem my losses, and able to receive glory through each crisis in my life. In that, I find rest and hope.

Father, continue to guide me as I open my eyes and heart to the ways You work through the brokenness of this world. Show me how to trust Your wisdom as I trust in Your love and grace. It is in the miraculous, healing power of Your Son, Jesus, I pray, amen.   

© makingsenseofmylife.com

*Everyday Gospel, Paul Tripp, 391