The Bible seems to be so confusing sometimes, does it not? Not only does it tell us things that are difficult to understand, but sometimes it tells us things that are downright contrary to what we believe.

For example, what is the definition of blessing? We would define it as having a comfortable life, having health, having friends, having a rewarding job, belonging to a good church… But the Bible doesn’t seem to agree with our definition.

For example, Jesus says that Lazarus’s sickness is for God’s glory so that Jesus will be glorified through it (John 11:4) He said something similar about a man born blind. It was for God’s glory that this man was born blind.

How can that be? How can a sickness be to God’s glory? How can blindness be to God’s glory? How can these curses (what we would consider) be blessings?

Because through them, we get to see Jesus…

Lazarus was allowed to die so that Jesus would raise him back up.
The blind man was allowed to be blind so that Jesus would heal him.

But it wasn’t about Lazarus nor about the blind man. It was about Jesus. The blessing, true blessing is knowing Jesus. Lazarus died again. The blind man lost his eyes again (when he died). But their lives were saved eternally because they encountered Jesus. And it was those unfortunate events and conditions that led them to meet Jesus.

Perhaps you are facing deep loneliness.
Perhaps you are suffering financial ruins.
Perhaps you are experiencing a painful breakup.
Perhaps you have a debilitating condition.

Make it count. Let it lead to Jesus Christ. He might have allowed it so that it could be turned into a blessing – the ultimate blessing of knowing Him.

PH