I love the beginning of chapter nine of the Gospel of John. Jesus and his disciples come across a blind guy. The disciples ask if he is blind because of his sin or the sin of his parents. Jesus says neither. Jesus goes on to say that he has been blind since birth so that the glory of God could be seen. In other words, before the foundation of the world God predestined this man to be blind so that at some point in his future he would encounter Jesus and Jesus would heal him with a little spit and dirt.
We need to remember that we will suffer sometimes not because of the consequence of sin, although that does happen, but because God is wanting to use our suffering as a way for his glory to be made known. I love that!
Then, immediately after that, Jesus tells his disciples the we must work the works of him (God) who sent him (Jesus), while it is still day. In other words, there are works that we are to work out in our life. Paul reminds us of this in Ephesians 2:10. There are things you are to do that will show and bring about the glory of God. And we’re reminded to do them while it is still day (light). Once it turns nightfall it will be too late.
Good stuff.
