From Blame to Opportunity

John 9:2-3 – “And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

When things are not going well, do you look for someone to blame? Some people are perpetually bitter about their circumstances and the people they believe are responsible.

John 9 tells the story of a blind man. Living without sight would be a horrible circumstance to spend your life in. Jesus’ disciples understood that. They immediately looked someone to blame. “Whose fault is it?”

Notice Jesus’ response. Instead of seeking blame, Jesus pointed out the opportunity. What was a horribly difficult life for that young man was completely turned around when he met Jesus. He was then able to see. He was able to go from being a beggar to providing for himself. He had a complete turnaround that could not be explained except for the work of God.

Jesus said the man’s blindness gave an opportunity for the works of God to be shown in him. If we never go through anything negative, we never experience the miracle working power of God. It is in life transformation, whether from physical blindness to seeing, release from addiction, from depression to joy, or from purposelessness to clear purpose, that we truly know and appreciate who God is and what he can do. It is also the way others can see, know, and believe him.

Who have you been blaming lately? What are the situations you are blaming them for? Instead of a life of bitterness, instead allow God to display his work through your circumstances. 

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