Why, God?

In John 9:1-3, we have a normal - natural question asked of Jesus.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why did 'xyz' happen to me?  What did I do to deserve this?

Such as good verse for this day, as you read this I will either be in or being prepped for another cancer screening.  I may never fully figure out why I have to go through this, but I'm called in faith to live life's experiences out to its ultimate conclusion......

Refuse to draw straight lines!
In this verse, why is this man suffering?  The man probably had heightened hearing due to his blindness, so he heard the question - as well as the answer!  It is a standard question, something many of us might have asked or wondered.  Of course, the answer has to be sin but whose sin was it which brought this blindness upon this man?  Jesus answered it was no ones sin!  It is for God's Glory, at that moment alone!

Think of Luke 13, where twice we are told that SIN does not equal  SUFFERING !

Resist the temptation to tell others why you think they are suffering!
Remember that SIN does not equal SUFFERING.
Remember that PERFORMANCE does not equal SUFFERING.
We all deserve punishment!  Because of our Greek philosophical upbringing in our western culture, we want to see cause and effect.  But we are not smart enough to be right about how God works!
(However, if you believe that you possess the gift of discernment, then you already know that any knowledge God gives you is for the uplifting of the suffering person - not their condemnation nor to make you feel superior.....)

Realize that the causes of suffering are countless!
Personal choices can bring suffering but Jesus tells us we are not always right as to how or why there is suffering.
Numbers 12:1-16, suffering caused by sin
Jonah 1, suffering caused by another's sin
Job 1, suffering caused by Satan
II Corinthians 12, suffering caused to humble
Genesis 45-50, suffering causes growth for future service

Respond to suffering with spiritual discernment.
Be faithful, seek God.  It is about eternity.
Never stop seeking answers.
Learn your lessons.
Accept transformation.