Walking by faith and not by sight

Today’s Reading: John 9:1-3 (NIV)

1 As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in His life.”

Good day!

Yesterday afternoon, while attending a healing service at Faith Church, the Holy Spirit within me was immediately drawn to the words of our guest speaker. Nathan described his health battle with Guillaume Barre Syndrome, an often fatal disease that he, by the grace of God, survived. Nathan explained that this disease attacked his body quite suddenly and without warning, and how the Lord used his illness to bring healing and wholeness to his entire family, drawing them into a deeper relationship and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Nathan’s witness had a profound impact on all who were there to hear him speak. Even with the lingering side effects of neuropathy and involuntary twitches, Nathan is able to walk unassisted. He plays guitar and sings with a praise band at his church. He continues on in his career path, thanking God for the ability to work and earn an income for his family’s benefit. Nathan willingly shares his testimony and life experience with others, allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to speak through him. He compares his time of total paralysis to that of Jonah’s captivity in the belly of a big fish, during a season when Jonah wanted nothing more than to run from the call of the Lord upon his life. Nathan said that when he became ill, he was running from God’s call too.

When afflictions come, we try to explain it away by looking for someone or something to blame. Human nature teaches that the calamities of daily living are a direct link to our sinful ways. Yet, Christ took the example of the man born blind from birth as a means to bring the Father glory. Nathan learned that many who suffer from Guillaume Barre Syndrome will die from this disease. Some who are afflicted will remain on ventilators and in wheelchairs, unable to move or care for themselves without round-the-clock care. Nathan may never know why the Lord chose to heal him completely, but he does know from whence his healing came. He chooses to acknowledge God’s grace and mercy each new day of his life.

If you are like me, you may find yourself asking God why some people suffer so; why bad things have to happen. No matter what the adversity or affliction you bear, remember that God will use your circumstance to bring glory and honor to Him. Are you willing to let Him speak through you? We can be an encouragement to the people God has placed in our lives, simply by choosing to walk by faith, and not by sight.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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