Often illness or suffering is seen as God’s punishment for sin by those who would espouse their own righteousness. Some would say, “A God of love would only bring abundant blessings to those who follow Him. As His Beloved, Blessed, Redeemed Child, the Christian should experience prosperity, health, and a life abounding in the joys of this world.” But is that true or what Scripture teaches us? Instead, we find God, often, works in mysterious ways that our human minds cannot comprehend to accomplish His plan of Love and Grace.
What is a life that is truly blessed? The one that is filled with all the counterfeit joys of this world? Or the one covered with scars, broken, unable to stand alone who leans into Christ and is carried to the finish line by Him. Having come to the very end of one’s self, only to find there a Savior who will carry them in His Loving Arms with an Unconditional Love and Grace that they know was wholly undeserved, making that Grace even more precious and joyous than anything else this earth could offer.
THE BLIND MAY SEE
And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. His disciples asked him, saying “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).
Jesus did not mean by this that this man nor his parents were not sinners. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). What Jesus wanted them to see was that illness, pain, and distress are not the punishment of God; rather, it can be the blessing that points one to turn to the only one who can truly save the sinner. God’s Glory can only shine forth upon the one who recognizes their need of Him. Because he was born blind, this man recognized His need; whereas, the self-righteous pharisee could not. They could see the world; but, they were blind to the truth that Jesus was the light of the world, the only means to ultimately see God’s Glory. Blinded by their own self-righteous pride, the Pharisees could not see God Incarnate standing in front of them as Jesus Christ, His Son.
Mom’s Illness and Suffering: An Act of God’s Grace and Love?
Was it an act of punishment that Mom was born with the genetic makeup to be bipolar or an act of God’s Grace? What could possibly be God’s purpose in this. How could this be His Perfect Plan of love for her? And how did He use every detail of her life to display His Glory and accomplish His will?
What I do know is, she pointed me to Christ. In that God used her to transform my eternity, as she did my brother as well. Pedro Barba, Jr came to know Christ as his Savior before he died; therefore, stands before His throne of Grace clothed in a righteousness not his own. My three children know Jesus as Lord and Savior. So, many lives have been touched and saved; because, God touched Mom’s life and her legacy of faith through trials marches on through the generations to come. That my dear friends and readers, is God’s Grace abounding in a dark world desperately in need of His light.
William Cowper suffered severe bouts of depression. Yet, read this song he wrote:
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.[1]
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Whatever illness, sorrow, or trial you face today; never forget that God Loves you. If you do not know Him, bring all your burdens to the cross of Jesus Christ where He stands with open arms. For those who know Christ, know that His plan is one of love and grace that you might see His Glory and shine forth that light of hope to a dark world in need of Him.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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ANOTHER Book Available
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OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
[1] John Newton and William Cowper, Olney Hymns, (London, England: St. Paul’s Churchyard, 1797), 255.
Photo by Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash