The closer we get to the cross,
the more significant the “signs” become.
The 6th miracle in John is the
healing of a man born blind.
But there is way more going on here.
There is a vital spiritual lesson for all of us.
One of the most interesting books I have read
in the last year, was Educated, by Tara Westover.
It is her memoir of growing up as the youngest of seven in a Mormon family. Her father was mentally ill and felt there was a conspiracy behind all institutions, so did not register his children’s births, get them vaccinated, or give them any kind of education. The children worked alongside him in a junkyard with dangerous machinery, and they were often badly burned, or suffered broken bones, and left untreated. The father himself was burned and disfigured badly. One of the older brothers was a masochist who tormented his girlfriends and sisters, including Tara.
You cannot help but think, “Where was the mother when all this was happening?”
Sometimes it is so painful to disconnect from your spouse, that a person chooses to believe a lie. Though there was a moment of light when the mother apologized to Tara for not protecting her, she then retreated to believing that her husband was a spiritual giant that the world simply didn’t understand. That lie kept five of the seven children in an imprisoned world even as adults. Only two broke free.
Tara dedicated the book to an older brother, the first sibling to escape. He was her inspiration for secretly teaching herself math and reading when she was sixteen. She passed the college entrance exam, got into Brigham Young, and went on to receive scholarships from Cambridge and Harvard. Though she tried to rescue her mother and younger siblings, she found she could not. They refused to see the truth.
It sounds crazy, and yet that is exactly what we see in John 9. The healed blind man tried to help the Pharisees recognize who Jesus was, but it was too painful for them to acknowledge the truth, so they refused to see.
Do we ever do the same?
I cannot help but recall how I was losing administrative assistants and always thought it was their fault. I truly did. I needed a friend to tell me it seemed to be a pattern in my life. Then I asked God to search me and He showed me my habit of manipulative side-ways comments. It was humbling to confess and repent — but oh, what joy and freedom followed — and how I am enjoying the healed relationships!
Lent is a time to allow Him to search us and then surrender to the light. No matter how painful it may be initially, it is FAR MORE destructive to refuse the light.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain?
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom?
Monday: The god of This Age
4. For context, what amazing claim did Jesus make in John 8:58? What was He saying?
5. How did the Jews respond and why, do you think?
6. Tim Keller, in his apologetic’s videos, explains that people have strong reasons for not wanting to believe Jesus is God. What are some of them that you can think of?
7. Read 2 Corin. 4:4 and pray here for someone you love who has been blinded.
Tuesday: Who Sinned?
Since the default mode of the human heart is works righteousness, we often assume trouble means we sinned.
8. Read John 9:1-3 and state the disciples’ question and also, Jesus answer.
9. Give some scriptural examples of troubles coming to good men and women who are endeavoring to live for the Lord. Can you also see how their trouble came to glorify God?
10. How can the trouble you are facing right now possibly glorify God?
11. Read John 9:4-12.
A. Describe the discussion in verses 8-9.
B. Describe the simplicity and authenticity of the man’s answers.
In my life this month I have experienced intense spiritual warfare as I went to a grieving church to talk about overcoming the enemy. Problems have come up that I have no way of solving. My back is against the wall and that is good — for my only hope is Jesus. It helps me so much to read of the miracles and know that He can do it and that it doesn’t depend on my being sinless for Him to have mercy.
Wednesday: One Thing I Do Know
12. Read John 9:13-25 and describe the contrast between the way the once-blind man answered the Pharisees and the way his parents answered the Pharisees.
13. What do you think made the difference?
14. What answer does the once-blind man give in verse 25?
15. A testimony is powerful — name three very specific ways that Jesus has given you sight where you were once blind.
16. Read John 9:26-34.
A. What question does the once-blind man ask the Pharisees in verse 27 and how do they respond?
B. What good argument does the once-blind man make in verses 30-33?
C. How do they respond?
Thursday: Now That You Claim You Can See, Your Guilt Remains
When we are pre-disposed to a certain belief, we must ask God to give us objectivity, for we may be blind because of our predisposition. I just finished this book by Nabeel Quereshi, who is also the author of “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.” This book is his apologetics for why he became a Christian and left Islam, despite great personal cost.
He says that every single one of us is pre-disposed to filter truths through our own belief system — such as you see the Pharisees doing. It is why we absolutely must ask God to help us be objective, to search us, to open our eyes — for we cannot make ourselves see. Nabeel did that, and God rescued him from the lies of Islam.
I know this applies as well when we cannot seem to have victory over a besetting sin or are overcome with doubt and despair. There is a lie we are believing. We need to seek God for what it is.
This is a challenging but important passage, so take it prayerfully and slowly.
17. Read John 9:35-41
A. What clue can you find that the blind man became a believer?
B. What remark does Jesus make in 39 and how do the Pharisees respond in 40?
C. What do you think Jesus means by verse 41?
D. How would you summarize the “sign” of this miracle, that is, the spiritual meaning?
18. According to John 8:12, what is a good way to avoid blindness?
19. John Newton, the former slave trader who wrote Amazing Grace, was blind to the fact that slavery was wrong even after he became a believer. It took him decades to see the light. Each of us has areas of blindness. Humbly ask the Lord to open your eyes that you might see where you have been blind.
Friday: Keller Seminar or Other Reading
19. If you have added something for Lent, share what you have learned.
Saturday:
20. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
86 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
After reading this, I sense His tug in my heart to surrender to the light as He has exposed something that I am not surrendering, and yes it will be painful initially. This is true: It is FAR MORE destructive to refuse the light. It is!
You have modeled doing this, and I know you will again, for you have such a hunger for more of Him, Rebecca.
1. What stood out? “..no matter it may be initially, it is far more destructive to refuse the light.”
makes me think of a small child who refuses to let you remove a sliver or wash a wound. They know it will hurt, and that matters more to them than being able to do activities pain free later, or avoiding an infection. In our extremely limited understanding, we, too, can see only the immediate pain. It is only when I look at the Savior and trust Him that I can allow Him to touch my owies.
2. For ten years I’ve approached my weight as a problem that would go away soon, pretty much on its own. As the pounds have accumulated, I’ve lost flexibility, muscles, appearance and missed out on Christ’s provisions for me in the meantime.
3. In the past, He opened my eyes to sexual fantasy and sin. I am clean before Him now, and make ‘no provision for the flesh’. It was painful enough to be cleansed that I don’t want to go through that again.
Sometimes I think that if our cleansing is without pain, we think it a cheap grace we can access again whenever. No big deal to sin again and then repent later. I need to take it much more seriously. It cost Jesus the cross; it wasn’t and isn’t cheap.
Mary — your metaphor of the child and the splinter so good. And how I love the rest — reminds me of Bonhoeffer and his “cheap grace”
I think not making provision for the flesh has helped me the most. Maybe there will come a day when I can have temptation in the house — but it hasn’t come yet! The worst I can do is pop popcorn — and that’s not so bad. I do have a garage that is far from the house where I keep things for guests – and when I was married, Steve locked things up in his file cabinet and kept the key! But I am praying for you, my sister. I understand.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Lent is a time to allow Him to search us and then surrender to the light. No matter how painful it may be initially, it is far more destructive to refuse the light…I am in such a time as this now.
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain? I deceived myself about sexual sin in my early college life with the lie that it was ok to pursue this behavior because I was pal I g to marry this person. That did not work out and caused much pain that could have been avoided.
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom? Over the past few years my husband has been caught up in a pattern of sin that has been so painful to me that it has been all I have been able to focus on…even when I sensed bitterness and unforgiveness creeping in on my part. I am now asking the Lord to search me and reveal my sinful patterns to me and shift my perspective to one of being an accuser (yikes) to being gentle…as one who is also beset by many sins and in desperate need of a savior also.
Lucy — thanks for being so vulnerable. That helps us all.
Oh yes, Lucy, this truly does help us all ~ Thank you.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
In Tara’s story “Sometimes, it is painful to disconnect with your spouse that a person chooses to believe a lie.” I have seen this play out in one of my friends’ life. She is married to a verbally abusive husband and who is also addicted to pornography. My heart breaks when I see my friend suffering but still is refusing to acknowledge the truth.
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain?
I can think of quite a few but I will share this one though it happened a long time ago because if it were not for God intervening, who knows where I would be now! And I have also shared this here a while back.
I had a boyfriend who I thought I was going to marry-he promised he would. We were separated by distance for a little bit but then during that separation, he found somebody else. I begged God to do something about it and bargained with Him for a life of service IF He would bring my boyfriend back to his senses and to me. I tried very hard to do good so I would earn God’s favor. All my waking hours were spent trying to think of ways to get my boyfriend back. I did not realize it then but I had an idol sitting smack in the seat of my heart. Because of it, I was a miserable Christian-unhappy, just going through the motion of life, resigned to a life of unfulfilled dreams and pain and spinsterhood. (lol now but it was so real at that time)
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom?
I have prided myself in the accomplishments of my daughter since she was born-a precocious, intelligent girl who knew her alphabet before she turned 1, can sing like a lark, obedient and with much faith during her tender years. Fast forward to college, and our happy, loving and lovable daughter got into the “wrong” crowd, persuaded to leave her faith and live a worldly life. I cried countless nights praying for our daughter. And when I finally got to the end of my rope, God met me in the most loving way through a friend. She told me that I needed to let go of my daughter, not to base my happiness in how she is performing, and allow God to work in her life and not get in the way. It hurt to hear that but I needed to hear it.
Nowadays, I am still tempted to take control of my daughter’s life thinking I know what is best for her. When those times come, I remind myself to surrender those thoughts to God. I need to filter through the truth of God’s Word and His promises.
Thanks for sharing those with us, Bing!
I too have had to let go of a child…painful…but am resting assured that he is in God’s loving care.
I know the pain of your children not following the path that you want for them. SO painful that they leave the fold and allow this terrible world to take over their lives.
Bing, I can relate so much to what you write here about your daughter, and I know many other women here can, too. It is indeed so hard to “not base my happiness in how she is performing” and to let go of our children.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? They could not see the truth. My husband and I have lived for 36 years loving one another but also annoyed with certain parts of each other’s personality and weaknesses. Most recently, I have begun to see my husband is more verbal about his dislikes and I more quietly resent. However, we are beginning to see the truth where we never did before. We both play a role in our problem. God has been working in my husband’s heart and I see big changes in him especially his patience during stressful times. Patience has not been his strength. This has moved me to allow God to search my heart and I have seen a quiet resentment that is present. I never saw my part in the problem. Even though, initially I am more quiet in conflict, I don’t remain quiet. Slowly but surely my resentment shows up. We are both seeing what we did not recognize before. We are quick to apologize and show humility instead of pride. We dialogue about our differences and have a quiet acceptance of one another instead of a selfish desire wanting the other person to change. I find that I am loving my husband so much more and grace is increasing in our marriage. We are beginning to see what we were unwilling to see in the past! How much we all need the Lord!
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain? I am not sure I could list all my sins. Yikes, there are truly so many! Food is a big one, using it for comfort and not admitting there is a problem. It quickly became a perpetual cycle of weigh gain and weight loss. When I began to call it sin and reference it by it’s true name gluttony, I could repent and receive the help I needed from Jesus
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom? In my relationship with food. I am still working it out but I have found truth, strength and self control that I didn’t have before.
Wonderful testimony, Tami.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The story about Tara Westover. I see all the time people who don’t recognize the destructive patterns that they are repeating from their childhood even when others who came from the same situation try to show them the truth. (I have placed a hold on the audible version of her book, I am 27th in line)
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain? When I was relying too much on another person and my relationship with them to keep me happy and secure. It was VERY painful to lose that connection and have to realize that my relationship to other people is second to my relationship with Christ.
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom? In my reaction to conflict with my husband. I got very good at keeping my mouth shut, but my mind was calling him every name in the book. Or I would point out to my kids that it wasn’t ME who was making all of these stupid rules, but their dad was head of the household so we all had to suffer. When God showed me that I wasn’t loving or honoring my husband (or God) with my behavior, whether inwardly or outwardly and was damaging my kids as well. I really began to work on not thinking negatively. If I was doing something his way instead of mine it was because I was serving him and God. It isn’t all sunshine and roses all of the time, but it is a lot better!
Dawn,
Your response to number three is helpful to me. Thank you for your vulnerability and courage to share here in this way.
There is beauty in our brokenness as we lay our pieces before Him and before our sisters here.
Amen to Nila’s comment, Dawn.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Wow! The story of Tara seems like it is of another (ancient) world. Makes me want to read it.
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain?
I’m not sure about this one. I’m thinking it must have to do with my children though because they are all painful relationships to me. Maybe the lie was something like my children would make me proud? Or happy?
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom?
This one I can answer! The freedom is from worry. Years ago I began to see how worry could be so consuming. I decided to really let go and let Him take charge. I have never felt so free! He always takes care of us in tough situations. Recently, my husband lost his job (again); people don’t want to pay for excellence, just mediocrity, when you get up in years. Automation took his position this time. It’s the world in which we live. Anyway, I’m not worried, and he is getting better in believing God is watching over us. A couple of things have happened (as usual) that are allowing us to have extra money during the time he is job hunting, that were not expected! It is amazing to watch. One thing that is interesting in this story is his first (and only so far) job interview is for a car dealership. We need a car and they give the financial controller one. Wouldn’t that be amazing is that’s the job he ends up getting? I can’t wait to see how this all pans out in the end. God orchestrates beauty!
2. I know! The lie was if I were skinny I would be happy…what a joke. How many years have I been deceived by that one?? How much time wasted on believing in an idol instead of God? Oh Lord, forgive me.
Laura,
I am praying for your husband in regard to employment. It would be wonderful for him to get the job and get a car! My husband is older and also looking for a new job to finish his career. We raised two sons that are married and have children but we still have an 11 year old at home. We located back to GA to be near them and hubby has been unable to find suitable work. Currently, he is selling tractors and on the road every week and underemployed by half of his typical pay and responsibilities. It has been extremely hard on us but we are growing in God and He is providing for us. Funny thing, he is in the process of interviewing with a car dealership as well. I will continue to pray favor, that God will establish your husbands hands, God will promote your hubby and He will open a door that no man can close. Keep us posted in regard to his job. Blessings!
4. For context, what amazing claim did Jesus make in John 8:58? What was He saying?
He claims, “I AM.” He is saying that He was with God and is God.
5. How did the Jews respond and why, do you think?
They began to stone Him! They did this probably because they didn’t want to understand the truth. They would have to change their entire thinking about God if they accepted Jesus. It made them uncomfortable to have to change.
6. Tim Keller, in his apologetic’s videos, explains that people have strong reasons for not wanting to believe Jesus is God. What are some of them that you can think of?
Maybe one thought is that God wouldn’t become human? I’m not sure.
7. Read 2 Corin. 4:4 and pray here for someone you love who has been blinded.
Oh Lord, thank You that I know the truth about You. Thank You for revealing the truth to me, so that I may benefit in this life and beyond. I know so many, in my own family, who struggle everyday because they either don’t have time for You, deny You completely, or say they believe but really are on a destructive path instead of Your path. I pray that today each one of my family members encounters You in some way, and they know it is You. Help them see that this world is one of pain and that You offer something else. Help them feel, for an instant even, the joy You bring, even to this world, when a believer follows the correct path; You. Amen.
Bingo, Laura!
they didn’t want to understand the truth. They would have to change their entire thinking about God if they accepted Jesus. It made them uncomfortable to have to change.
4. For context, what amazing claim did Jesus make in John 8:58? What was He saying? Jesus said Before Abraham was…I Am. He was claiming to be the self-existant one…or God Himself!
5. How did the Jews respond and why, do you think? They were ready to stone Him to death…He was making fantastical claims and performing signs and wonders and speaking such grace and truth that it threatened their entire carefully constructed system of beliefs.
6. Tim Keller, in his apologetic’s videos, explains that people have strong reasons for not wanting to believe Jesus is God. What are some of them that you can think of? If Jesus is God then something in me has to change; if Jesus is God then I have to love and forgive; if Jesus is God then there is something bigger than myself and my knee must bow.
7. Read 2 Corin. 4:4 and pray here for someone you love who has been blinded. Lord, you know that I have family who know You…but like me…they have for a time been blinded to the folly of their actions. But, Lord, they have seen and believed and I am trusting You to restore their sight. I have a close friend JE, who has been badly wounded by the church to the extent that she has not wanted to share what that was. Lord, I repent pray for forgiveness, as a member of a body of believers, for all the actions done by those who profess Your name that have caused harm to once tender souls. Lord, please heal J’s vision…let the scales fall from her eyes…that she may see the light of the good news of Your glory and know that You are the image of the one true God. Lord, may she be granted the mind of faith. I pray this for us all. Amen
4. Jesus was saying He existed before Abraham, that He is Yahweh God.
5. The Jews picked up stones to stone Him. In their minds this couldn’t be true; it was blasphemy.
6. People don’t want to believe in God because they know it will cause changes in their lives. Their obvious sin will need to go. They will have to admit their treasured beliefs about God not being who He is were wrong. They would have to humble themselves and become identified with people they previously scorned or laughed at. Jesus said it was because they loved darkness and hated the light.
7. Lord, I pray for my niece Jen. She has been so hard towards You. Even toward the possibility of You. Satan has blinded her. He has caused her to possibly blame You for some of the hard places of her life. He has filled her mind with lies. Lord, please explode all those lies. Implode the thoughts she has against You. Open her eyes to You – Your reality, truth and beauty. lord, I pray You would do a miracle in her this week when she has surgery. I pray You would erase all pain as a visual that You are there, and that You are calling her to Yourself.
Echoing that prayer with you for your niece.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? “Confess and repent “ I often lament of my sin but do I truly confess and repent? Keller says we can be selfishly sad of our sin (“I so wish I would do better.”) but this is not repentance it is still works-based grace. In the humbling act of true confession we find repentance…a turning…as Ann Voskamp says, “God is the goal.” My perfection or image of finally ‘getting it’ is not the goal.
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain? I believed that my children “made” me mad. I believed parenting was about controlling behavior and creating compliant humans. I also believed my children’s choices in behavior were personal affronts to me, hence the ‘madness.’ So much pain in this and so much beauty and relationship missed or broken.
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then e peri ended freedom. The anger towards my children, the Lord continues to show me and guide me. I would not say I am “free” for the battle is everyday but I would say I am “aware” of the propensity to sin and aware of His presence helping, reminding. There has been a softening and many more apologies from me to my children. I accept responsibility for my emotions and explain to my sons that my emotions are not an excuse to sin, my feelings should not be my god. There is more freedom in our relationships now but I must continue to confess and repent.
Dear blog sisters, will you pray for me and my family over the next 2-3 weeks? We are moving cross country to “start again.” We have no jobs nor house but are confident that God is calling us to that town so we rest in His unknown plan but would appreciate prayers that all would fall into place and that we would see HIS path for us. Thank you!
Jill I will be praying for safety and guidance as you travel and wisdom to hear the Lord’s voice to know what path to take
Stepping out on faith! May the Lord guide you each step of the way!
I will pray. Such faith!
Just seeing this and praying for you now Jill. Isaiah 43:19
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – Just how easy it is to be deceived into believing that what the enemy is telling us is the truth. These poor kids and mother, to be so blinded by the enemies light they couldn’t see the only True Light that could save them from the hurt. Jesus.
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain? – Recently with the relationship issue with my step son and daughter in law, the pain of being hurt and thinking they needed to apologize to me before I forgave them, was my own doing. I put the hurt on myself, it wasn’t bothering them at all. If there is no relationship with Jesus there, why would I think they would hear from Him to see what they did was wrong. Just last week, during our blog, I felt a strong tug that told me to give it up and what freedom came once I did. The bitterness is gone, and I’ve left it up to God to have the truth revealed.
3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom? – I’ve been asking God to remove the bad attitude that is in me so I can feel joy and be the child he created me to be, which is all loving. I have work to do still, but my partial freedom came last week, when I gave up the bitterness against my step son and daughter in law (see above answer)
Julie, this is a big step for you, to give up your bitterness! Happy to hear of the freedom you are now experiencing!
8. Read John 9:1-3 and state the disciples’ question and also, Jesus answer. – they asked who sinned whether it was the blind man or his parents and Jesus told him neither, it was to show the powerful work’s of God.
9. Give some scriptural examples of troubles coming to good men and women who are endeavoring to live for the Lord. Can you also see how their trouble came to glorify God? – The one that came to mind right away was Joseph in Genesis 39 when he was thrown in jail because Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of defiling her. Each incident that came against Joseph was to show how God has everyone’s life that knows him planned out. He puts us just where he wants us to show his glory.
10. How can the trouble you are facing right now possibly glorify God? – It can show how forgiveness can free us up from pain. Jesus suffered for me on the cross and yet had love enough to forgive me. He took my place and suffered a terrible death so I could be free. So who am I to not forgive them.
11. Read John 9:4-12.
A. Describe the discussion in verses 8-9. – I sense a feeling of surprise and a little confusion. They thought it was the man that begged but new he was blind so it couldn’t have been him but someone like him. They wouldn’t believe even though the man told them that he was the man who Jesus healed.
B. Describe the simplicity and authenticity of the man’s answers. – He kept telling them that he was the man, but they wouldn’t believe him. He described what Jesus did and how he gained his sight after all those years of being blind, but their unbelief was strong.
4. For context, what amazing claim did Jesus make in John 8:58? What was He saying? – “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. I think he is saying that he already existed even before Abraham was born. Being part of the trinity, he was already in place and a part of God’s plan.
5. How did the Jews respond and why, do you think? – They picked up stones to throw at him but Jesus hid himself and left the temple.
6. Tim Keller, in his apologetic’s videos, explains that people have strong reasons for not wanting to believe Jesus is God. What are some of them that you can think of? – I think they are afraid that they would have to give up parts of their lives that are not pleasing to the Lord. That being a Christian is boring and who would want to live that way. That famous thought “I’m a good person, so I don’t need a relationship with Jesus to enter heaven.
7. Read 2 Corin. 4:4 and pray here for someone you love who has been blinded. – Lord I lift up my sons, (birthed and stepsons) I pray Lord that you bring someone into their lives that knows you, someone they trust and respect, that can help them get on the path that leads to you. It’s so hard for them to hear it from me, yet I try each opportunity I get to show them that you were in their steps each time. Keep them safe Lord until they come back to you. I give their lives to you to hold, in Jesus Name AMEN!
I’ve just read all the comments & feel blessed by you all & your vulnerability & honesty!
Sunday: what stood out to me was Tara’s story…wow, such a life of dysfunction & darkness & imprisonment. Praise God for setting her free! So sad that her mom & other siblings could not see the truth 🙁
I think the Lord has opened my eyes in stages to reveal the dysfunction in my own marriage. I walked on eggshells for way too many years & I know this had a negative effect on my kids. But I have given them all to the Lord & know He has His gracious hand on each of their lives.
God has been opening my eyes afresh & working in me to have boldness to live in the Light & not settle for dysfunction or pretense. He compassionately exposes one layer at a time, as it is scary for me to face this & embrace change. I still have so far to go, but every baby step brings more freedom & praise & hope. He loves us too much to leave us the way we are!
Hurrah to this Jenny:
God has been opening my eyes afresh & working in me to have boldness to live in the Light & not settle for dysfunction or pretense. He compassionately exposes one layer at a time, as it is scary for me to face this & embrace change. I still have so far to go, but every baby step brings more freedom & praise & hope. He loves us too much to leave us the way we are!
REPLY
Jenny,
He is helping me with this too. To not settle for dysfunction or pretense. Painful process. And yes, it is scary to face and embrace. This song by Ellie Holcomb has helped me to sort things out and lean into the only one who is the lover of my soul. Have you heard it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVjZYT8qtLQ
Some of the lyrics:
And there may come a day
When all other loves have gone away
When darkness hems me in
You’ll be right where You have always been
Closer than the heart within my chest
Because You loved me best
Love the song! Thanks for sharing…
Oh NILA:
thank you for this beautiful song! I needed to hear that right now & am weeping as I listen. Oh praise our God for loving us so & for being closer than our breath. This gives me focus & strength xx
8. Read John 9:1-3 and state the disciples’ question and also, Jesus answer.
The disciples ask Jesus why the man was born blind. Jesus answered it is not because of any sin, rather socthst God may be seen through him.
9. Give some scriptural examples of troubles coming to good men and women who are endeavoring to live for the Lord. Can you also see how their trouble came to glorify God?
All the disciples who are martyred…Stephen is stoned, yet praised God as it happened. Mary, Jesus’ mother…she got pregnant as a teen with no husband. She loved the Lord. She bore Jesus, the Son of God.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The story of Tara in the book Educated. I bought the book for my daughter to read, and she found it painful and fascinating at the same time. Truly inspiring how Tara was able to face the truth and be set free from such a dysfunctional and even abusive family situation. It reminds me of a quote by M. Scott Peck from his book, People of the Lie: “To come to terms with evil in one’s parentage is perhaps the most difficult and painful psychological task a human being can be called on to face. Most fail and become its victims. Those who fully succeed in developing the necessary searing vision are those who are able to name it. For to “come to terms” means to “arrive at the name”.” I believe this can also be applied to coming to terms with our own sin and “naming it” instead of masking or denying it.
Thanks for sharing that definition of coming to terms with a thing…it is to arrive at a name for it. That is powerful. Ann Voscamp says something similar about naming…to see the true identity of something…to enter into the work of Adam who was tasked with the naming of creation. “To name a thing is to manifest the meaning and value God gave it, to know it as coming from God and to know its place and function within the cosmos created by God.” (J. Piper)
Great quote from Scott Peck, Susan.
Susan,
This is so helpful. Thank you!
Needing courage to face and name. Grateful that He is tender and merciful with us as we do this.
Susan, thanks so much for the quote. Years ago I found that book extremely helpful in helping me understand my mother.
10. How can the trouble you are facing right now possibly glorify God?
Many people seem amazed that my husband and I are raising our grandkids. We are just doing what we think is right according to God. We take one day at a time and I try not to think of the future or what “might have been.” We know God would want us to care for them, regardless of what grandparents are “supposed” to be doing at our ages.
11. Read John 9:4-12.
A. Describe the discussion in verses 8-9.
The people did not seem to recognize the man. But he kept saying “…it is me!…”
B. Describe the simplicity and authenticity of the man’s answers.
He just told the story as it happened. He didn’t question it at all just, explained it to the people; straight to the point. Complete faith.
8. Read John 9:1-3 and state the disciples’ question and also, Jesus answer. The disciples asked “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” And Jesus answered…neither sinned, but the situation exists to display or reveal the mighty works of God.
9. Give some scriptural examples of troubles coming to good men and women who are endeavoring to live for the Lord. Paul is the best example I can think of…beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, snake bitten, imprisoned, flogged! The disciples are another example…many were martyred. I often think of the many OT women who were barren before having a child or children. Can you also see how their trouble came to glorify God? The world could see God in the witness of their life circumstances and response and how God displayed His saving power.
10. How can the trouble you are facing right now possibly glorify God? It can develop godliness in my character if I will allow that, His power can be displayed through my weakness, and my husband and family might come to a deeper knowledge of God.
11. Read John 9:4-12.
A. Describe the discussion in verses 8-9. Those who knew the blind man couldn’t believe their own eyes and were arguing among themselves about his identity…is it really him whom we know…no, it is someone who just looks like him.
B. Describe the simplicity and authenticity of the man’s answers. The man simply answered…I am he. A phrase Jesus has been saying throughout the gospel of John.
Great example in Paul, Lucy.
Tara’s story hits close to home because I was raised in a predominantly Mormon community. My dad’s family was Mormon and there are some scandalous stories in my ancestry. My sweet mama was a Christian. When the Lord found me at age 13 I began praying/pleading with the Lord for my wonderful, caring, fun-loving dad. Being civic-minded and very involved in our little Wyoming community, my dad was on a committee (about the wild horses in our area) with a Lutheran pastor. They struck up quite a friendship. Mom and dad began visiting his church, doing a home bible study and my sweet dad began to grow into the truth. The truth displaced the lies. My dad began having many conversations with his four brothers and one sister and his many, many life-long Mormon friends. He helped them to see the beauty of the gospel. At least two of his brothers and a brother-in-law came to the Lord. He had the courage to go before the Mormon church in our tight-knit community and ask to be formally ex-communicated from the church. Though his friends appealed to him not to do this, dad explained that he had never been happier and wanted nothing to do with this religion anymore. He thought his business might fail as a result of his decision (as friends would no longer give him business). But that did not happen. God honored my dad’s brave decision. He continued to have conversations with Mormon family and friends over the next 35 years, until he began suffering from Alzheimers. He went to be with Jesus two years ago. I am grateful for how our God rescued my dad.
So happy for you, Nila, to also have this glorious story in your family history! And what a heritage to pass down the generations! But God in His mercy…..
Wow Nila, what a wonderful story of Redemption & God’s power & mercy!! Praise God for your Dad’s courage to face the truth & the lies & let the Lord set him free…& your family! 🙂
I didn’t know this “Mormon” story of your background. Wow — what a rescue!
WOW Nila, thank you for sharing this story about your dad…..it’s wonderful and so encouraging! He was a brave man to do what he did, but it showed that he really did believe the truth of the gospel and wanted so much to share it with those he loved! He didn’t bow to the fear of man, to fear of losing his friends, family, or even his business.
8. The whole idea of displaying God’s glory makes me think of displaying jewels. They are usually shown best against a dark background. It lets their shine and difference really show.
9. Scriptural examples. Joseph comes first to mind. He endured so much hardship and suffering, but then was put in a position to save his family’s lives. And that he was a type of Christ, who Himself suffered what we deserved in our place. But His resurrection brought great glory to God. Paul, beaten and imprisoned, but most of the epistles came out of that.
First, Dee, know that you are not alone. I loved that you see hope in your helplessness. I’m praying for your deliverance from that spiritual battle and that God would be glorified.
8. The disciples asked who sinned that this man was born blind? This man or his parents? Jesus answers, “Neither”. But this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
9. Hannah was barren, but faithful in her worship and serving God. God blesses her with Samuel, who she has promised to give back to God. He becomes a great prophet and leader for Israel.
Stephen glorifies God even while being stoned to death. He gives a testimony and legacy of great faithfulness to God, and the persecutor watching, Saul, becomes Paul.
10. Prayer can change my perspective on the people in my life whom I deem difficult obstacles to my enjoying life. I say that with honesty that is embarrassing because in writing it I see my selfishness in all its ugliness. God is waiting to receive the glory He deserves out of my obedience to Him. Rather than fret, manipulate, criticize and complain, I can quietly and persistently pray for my adult children and aging father.
11. A. I find the conversation these people are having quite humorous. They are talking about him. “ Is this the same man who has spent his life begging because he was blind? Yes. No, he only looks like him..” how much do we really “see” others? Or do they become the wallpaper of our lives – just in the background. A shadow, a fixture. Jesus always sees the person. And the man responds, “I am the man.”
B. The man describes what “the man they call Jesus” told him to do. After Jesus made mud and put it on the man’s eyes, He told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. When he had done so, he could see.
does anyone know the significance of that pool? Was it known for anything else that Jesus would choose it?
thank you, Laurie.
And yes — such a humorous dialogue in this passage!
10. How can what I am facing glorify God? I know that when I verbally share what God has been doing in me recently, He is glorified.
11.a. The discussion about whether this is really who it looks like or not. Yes, sister, it is humorous!
b. The man talked briefly and to the point as he answered questions. Your statement, Dee, “it doesn’t depend on my being sinless for God to have mercy “. Oh, yes! God has been impressing that on me. He is not limited by me in any way.
12. The parents tried hard to wiggle out of any question. They are willing to affirm he is their son and he was blind from birth, but that’s as far as they are willing to go. The man is consistent in answering their repetitive questions with the truth as he knows it to that point.
13. The man talked differently about Jesus because he had personally encountered Him while the parents had not. Yet it makes me think. The Pharisees encountered Jesus, but it only entrenched them in their hostility. O Lord, may I be one made softer toward you by my encounters with You and not hardened against what You want to do in my life.
14. In verse 25 the man says he doesn’t know much about the Man, like if He is a sinner or not. But he knows that he has been healed by Jesus.
15. Three ways God has given me sight.
The first thing that comes to mind is anger. My anger used to rage underneath the surface, the whole surface of my life. Like a leperous skin. Now it is small and infrequent.
Next is the way I talk about my husband. I characterize the women I grew up around as barracudas. Always ready to take a chunk out of any man, but especially those closer to them. A lot of it was in barbed ‘humor’. Praise God, He broke that generational chain. I try to be careful to always talk about my husband in ways that build him up, that are respectful. He has my permission to call me out anytime I slip in that.
Then, I’m no longer blind that eating indiscriminately is wrong for me, though I don’t yet have victory in this area.
12. Read John 9:13-25 and describe the contrast between the way the once-blind man answered the Pharisees and the way his parents answered the Pharisees.
The once-blond man was not afraid of the Pharisees; he answered as truthfully as he could. The parents were afraid of them because they knew they would be “punished” by being thrown out of the temple if they acknowledged the work of Jesus.
13. What do you think made the difference?
Well, young people tend to not think things through and be more carefree than their elders. I’m guessing the once-blind man was this way. He knew the truth and didn’t care if the elders threw him out. He wouldn’t live a lie.
14. What answer does the once-blind man give in verse 25?
He says he has no idea if Jesus is a sinner, he only knows that he once was blind but now he could see.
15. A testimony is powerful — name three very specific ways that Jesus has given you sight where you were once blind.
I think learning the importance of loving Him versus loving idols has totally changed my outlook on life. It has only happened in the past few years and is because of this blog that I have learned it. Dee presented it, I studied it, and God showed me how to change my heart and make it work. I am so much happier now than I have ever been in my life.
Another time I have talked about here is when my dad died. God visited me while I stood over my father (at age 13) and told me He would be my Father always and that everything would be alright.
Finally, it has crossed my mind a few times that God has given me two grandchildren to raise because of two incidents that happened in my life. One was an abortion at age 18 and the other was a miscarriage as a young adult married to my college boyfriend. I was an uncourageous, young woman who took the life of one baby and then was not even aware of the next (of being pregnant). I had no idea I was pregnant and therefore was not taking care of myself at all. The miscarriage was a total shock, because I didn’t even know. It’s as if it was taken from me before I had a chance to make any decision one way or another as to what I would do. Now, I have two BEAUTIFUL grandkids who I never intended on raising! I never saw this as my path through life. It is a lovely thing though…
What a great way of seeing how God turned your ashes into beauty, Laura!
2. Where in the past have you deceived yourself about sin and experienced pain? One area is with heart idols; knowing the lie that they cannot deliver what they promise but wanting to ignore that fact and still turn to them. Turning to an idol for comfort, security, approval, seems in the moment easier than doing the hard work of drawing closer to God and allowing or waiting for Him to meet my needs. 3. Where in the past have you allowed God to search you, and He opened your eyes to sin, so you repented and then experienced freedom? When I was caught up in fantasizing and daydreaming about a man who was not my husband, believing that he was the answer to my unhappiness in my marriage. God revealed to me my spiritual adultery and I understood what I was really doing for the first time. I had believed that what goes on in my mind wasn’t really sin because I wasn’t acting on it. Yet, it had enslaved me. I couldn’t have begun to get free from it until God opened my eyes and I could name my sin.
16.a. The once blind man asks the Pharisees why they keep questioning him; do they, too, want to become disciples? They respond in anger, throwing him out.
b. The man points out that no one has ever given sight to one born blind, and that God only hears the righteous (meaning responding positively to their prayers). How could this be anything but the hand of God?
17.a. What clue is there that the blind man became a believer? He said he believed in Jesus, and he worshipped Him. No Jew would ever worship a person. He had to be convinced that this was God in flesh.
b. Jesus says in verse 39 that He came so that some could gain sight, and some would become blind. The Pharisees react by saying: “what? Are we blind, too?”
c. I think Jesus meant in 41 that when we haven’t been made aware of the choice our blindness is not held against us. But once we are presented with the the Truth and we choose the lie, then we move guilt onto ourselves?
d. The spiritual meaning of this miracle. The McArthur notes say that physical blindness served as a metaphor for spiritual blindness. Through this miracle, the man gained both physical and spiritual sight. The Pharisees, though born sighted, lost any spiritual sight they may have had when they rejected Jesus.
4. For context, what amazing claim did Jesus make in John 8:58? What was He saying? Jesus said, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” He was saying that He was God. 5. How did the Jews respond, and why do you think? They responded by trying to stone Jesus, because they believed that ‘the Lord our God is ONE’, and they had no understanding of the Trinity, that Jesus could be very God Himself. They thought He was making a blasphemous claim. Also, Jesus did not fit their idea of who God is and how He would behave, especially towards sinners. 6. Tim Keller, in his apologetic’s videos, explains that people have strong reasons for not wanting to believe Jesus is God. What are some of them that you can think of? Many people believe that all religions are pretty much the same, and that it is arrogant for one to claim to be right and say all the others are wrong. Perhaps some people don’t want to admit that there is an authority figure that is over them and that they have to answer to him one day. I think a lot of people ‘believe’ in Jesus in that He really lived and died, but to humanize Him to the point of denying His deity gives people a more comfortable Jesus; a role model to try and emulate, a nice guy who said some nice things about loving everybody and getting along. It makes no demands then on a person. 7. Read 2 Corin 4:4 and pray here for someone you love who has been blinded. Lord, I have several family members whose minds are blinded by the god of this age so that they cannot see the light that the good news brings. I was there once, too, but for You. Their minds cannot be opened to You apart from You making that happen, just like You did for me. I think of my husband whose mind is so occupied with his job, stress, and wanting some of the good things in life. Please be merciful and draw him to Yourself.
Insightful as usual, Susan. I am in the same place with my sister, so pray for God’s mercy!
12. Read John 9:13-25 and describe the contrast between the way the once-blind man answered the Pharisees and the way his parents answered the Pharisees. The man spoke openly and without guile while his parents kept hedging.
13. What do you think made the difference? The parents were fearful while the healed man had no fear.
14. What answer does the once-blind man give in verse 25? I do not know whether He is a sinner or not…but this one thing I know…I was born blind and now I see.
15. A testimony is powerful — name three very specific ways that Jesus has given you sight where you were once blind. There are many things I do not know…but I do know that I have been saved by grace; I used to think my conflicts were with people…now I see that my struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of darkness; I don’t know why God doesn’t always heal but I do know death was not His original plan and that the death of His children grieves Him deeply…Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.
16. Read John 9:26-34.
A. What question does the once-blind man ask the Pharisees in verse 27 and how do they respond? Why do you keep asking me to repeat my answers…you don’t want to become His disciples too do you? They reviled him and said you may be His disciple but we are disciples of Moses!
B. What good argument does the once-blind man make in verses 30-33? To the healed man it was obvious “where” Jesus came from. For if He were not from God He could not do such miracles as these!
C. How do they respond? How dare you who were born entirely in sin (his blindness from birth) teach us…who have been righteous all our days!
4. For context, what amazing claim did Jesus make in John 8:58? What was He saying? Jesus said that He was “I am” before Abraham. He was claiming to be God.
5. How did the Jews respond and why, do you think? They were responding with disbelief and anger. They deeply believed … when that belief system was threatened by someone’s claims they were angry and tried to protect it with force. They could not stop and evaluate what was happening. They refused to LOOK and THINK. They thought they already knew it all. This is dangerous.
6. What are some of them that you can think of? People do not want to be accountable for their actions. People do not want to admit their ancestors went to hell. People do not want to be told what to do. People do not want to put forth effort to learn and study. People are too steeped in this world that they cannot entertain the truth of supernatural.
12. Read John 9:13-25 and describe the contrast between the way the once-blind man answered the Pharisees and the way his parents answered the Pharisees. – The once blind man replied to them with confidence that he knew he was healed and he wasn’t lying. His parents were afraid and maybe lied that they didn’t know how their son was now able to see.
13. What do you think made the difference? – the faith they had in following the truth and not the law. The once blind man believed in what happened and in Jesus so he knew that He would be with him now. His parents did not have the faith like their son and was more worried about following the law of the land.
14. What answer does the once-blind man give in verse 25? – “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know, but what I know is that I was once blind but now I see.”
15. A testimony is powerful — name three very specific ways that Jesus has given you sight where you were once blind. – 1. I had some things said about me after my divorce that were not true and God placed my cousin right there at the time it was being said and she defended me against them. So my eyes were open to know that God is always around to protect me. 2. I had applied for a job a few years ago that I did not get, and at first I was upset because I knew I could do the job, but I then was promoted in my current position once that door was closed. This showed me that He knows what is best for us and to not be disappointed in something that did not turn out the way I thought it should. He is much more wise then me. 3. Just from the everyday things that happen to me and I cry out to him and he hears and then shortly after that, what was not right is made right, he provides when and where I’m lacking.
16. Read John 9:26-34.
A. What question does the once-blind man ask the Pharisees in verse 27 and how do they respond? – He asked them why they are asking him the same question again and if they wanted to be his disciples too. They replied back in disgust against him and said they were disciples of Moses and they don’t know where Jesus came from.
B. What good argument does the once-blind man make in verses 30-33? – that even though they didn’t know where he came from he still opened his eyes. That God doesn’t listen to sinners but he does listen if they are worshippers of God. It had never happened before for a born blind person had their eyes opened. That if he wasn’t from God he would not have been able to open his eyes.
C. How do they respond? – I kind of feel the way our society is currently acting and not believing anything that comes out either good or bad. It’s time to move on and get over it. I would want the unbelieving to give me examples from the Bible that would show me that Jesus would not have been able to do these miracles. I’m thinking they would walk away or misinterpret the Bible to plead their case.
16. Read John 9:26-34.
A. What question does the once-blind man ask the Pharisees in verse 27 and how do they respond?
Do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too? They ignore the first question, but rather curse him. They answer the second with a quck no! We are disciples of Moses.
B. What good argument does the once-blind man make in verses 30-33?
He says that everyone knows that good things come from God. No one has ever had their eyes go from being blind to seeing, so it must have come from God.
C. How do they respond?
They change the subject! They say that he is a sinner and (basically) how dare he try to teach them (with mocking)! They nick him out of the synagogue.
17. Read John 9:35-41
A. What clue can you find that the blind man became a believer?
He said he believes in Jesus.
B. What remark does Jesus make in 39 and how do the Pharisees respond in 40?
He says He entered this world to give sight to the blind and those who are blind but think they can see.
C. What do you think Jesus means by verse 41?
That they are blind to Him.
D. How would you summarize the “sign” of this miracle, that is, the spiritual meaning?
Believe in Jesus and you will truly see.
17. Read John 9:35-41
A. What clue can you find that the blind man became a believer? He asked Jesus Who is he (the Son of God) that I may believe…Lord reveal Yourself to me so that I can believe. Jesus told the man…I am He…the man said I believe Lord and worshipped.
B. What remark does Jesus make in 39 and how do the Pharisees respond in 40? Jesus said He has come into this world to reveal judgment…that the blind might see and that the blindness of the sighted might be revealed.
C. What do you think Jesus means by verse 41? While there was only the law, it was hard to tell a believer from an unbeliever, because it was all about performance. But, when the Savior came, it was all about who believed…and ones blindness became obvious.
D. How would you summarize the “sign” of this miracle, that is, the spiritual meaning? We are all “born blind”and only those who have had the longing for truth planted in their hearts will ask for it to be revealed. Jesus reveals Himself to those who long to know Him…again…it’s all about faith or believing and not about works.
18. According to John 8:12, what is a good way to avoid blindness? Since He is the true Light of the World, we must be close enough to the Light and follow it and thus we will walk in darkness no longer. Follow being a key word.
Hello Dee,
I love your new website, it is a beautiful update! I wondered if anyone besides me is having trouble with the fine print of the font on the bright white background. It’s a beautiful font, and I’ve adjusted the brightness, but the font size is a bit small for my eyes. I study along with you daily on an older iPad and sometimes my iPhone. The font is the same for me on both. It’s very fine line. I just wanted to let you know in case there are others with this experience.
Thanks, Pat In Denver
Thanks so much, Pat. I will ask about it!
Hi Pat…I too have found the font and background hard to read easily…Ithunk it maybe that there is not enough contrast.
17. Read John 9:35-41
A. What clue can you find that the blind man became a believer? – When he said to tell him who he was so he could believe and then when Jesus revealed himself he worshipped him.
B. What remark does Jesus make in 39 and how do the Pharisees respond in 40? – “For judgment I came into this world, that those who are blind may see, and those who see may become blind.” The Pharisees asked “Are we also blind?”
C. What do you think Jesus means by verse 41? – The Message says this…”If you were really blind, you would be blameless, but since you claim to see everything so well, you’re accountable for every fault and failure.” – Is he saying that because they hold tight to the law of the land, they are blinded to the real truth that knowing Jesus would allow them to have the peace and joy others have? They don’t want to see the truth of Jesus because they may miss out on something, they are blinded in the wrong way?
D. How would you summarize the “sign” of this miracle, that is, the spiritual meaning? – As soon as Jesus gave the blind man his sight, his eyes were open to the truth of Jesus. Had he not heard of Jesus because he was an outcast and was not allowed to hear the truth? I think we need to constantly be in His Word in order to know the truth and have our hearts, mind and eyes open to know the difference.
18. According to John 8:12, what is a good way to avoid blindness? – To always follow Jesus. To be in His Word so we are not surprised by the attacks of the enemy so we can be prepared to speak him out of existence in our lives.
18. John 8:12 a good way to avoid blindness is to believe and therefore have the Light; not walking in darkness any longer.
19. I am praying, Lord, that You would reveal to me where I am blind. Either by choice or unknowingly.
Lord Jesus…open my eyes that I may see…I who have been born blind to Your grace…I who but for that grace would be blind yet. I see now but dimly. This Lenten season You have given me this word vision. I have lost my vision, my perspective, my lens of Your word. Matt. 6: 22-23 reminds me “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is.” As I prepare to face anew Your death on the cross, I ask that You cause the scales to fall from my eyes and that You restore my sight.
May this valley in which I find myself, become to me a Valley of Vision indeed. As the hymn writer put it…Be Thou My Vision and my true word!
May this healing be a great display of Your glory…Amen.
Love your prayer that you valley would be a Valley of Vision!
Lucy,
Your prayer immediately made me think of this song which is a prayer. I use to play my guitar and sing it to our Lord. Need to get it out again. For me, sometimes this is my best way to get a much-needed heart adjustment. Here is a link and a few of the lyrics to this beautiful prayer/song entitled Valley of Vision:
Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BPaMhGNRkQ
** Correction: Song is entitled “In the Valley” and on the album “Valley of Vision” by Sovereign Grace.
(The system would not allow me to make this correction, though I tried several times?)
Thank you for clearer font! 🙂
Beautiful Nila…thanks for that link!
LH
Does the font seem better to you? They tell me they increased it.
I think it’s much better…darker too!!
Font is much better. Thanks
8. Read John 9:1-3 and state the disciples’ question and also, Jesus’ answer. The disciples want to know whose sin is responsible for this man being born blind; it’s either his fault or his parents’ fault. Jesus answers that his blindness isn’t because of anyone’s sin, but rather to put God on display in his life. 9. Give some scriptural examples of troubles coming to good men and women who are endeavoring to live for the Lord. Can you also see how their trouble came to glorify God? First I think of David, when he was running from Saul. He tried to live right and obey God, even refusing to kill Saul when he had the chance. God showed His deliverance over and over in David’s life. Mary and Martha were Jesus’ friends, and yet their brother Lazarus died. God was glorified when Jesus raised him from the dead. 10. How can the trouble you are facing right now possibly glorify God? I’m not facing any huge trials right now, but I see that the choices I make in how to handle the everyday troubles, trials, inconveniences, and family strife matter. My heart has such a bent to run to other things for comfort rather than God. I often think that if I could somehow just “get it all together” – my house, my laundry, my appearance/fitness, my relationships, then I will be satisfied. It’s obvious as I write this that most of this is about perfectionism and glorifying myself, if only to myself. I have a friend who is sort of a wonder woman – boundless energy, smart, savvy, outgoing, very organized and her home and everything she does seems perfect, at least to me. Next to her, I feel like a big flop. Maybe simply accepting Jesus’ righteousness and perfection as my own is the first step?
Susan — I have met you on the blog and in person, and I so wish you could see yourself as I do. A contemplative woman of depth and hunger for God. But even more important, seeing yourself as God does. Yes, accepting His righteousness is the first step!