May 17

Speculation or Expectation?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 69:29-36 | 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15 | John 9:1-41 | Proverbs 15:15-17

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 9:1-41

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” (John 9:2-3 ESV).

The disciples saw an opportunity for speculation. Jesus saw an opportunity for expectation.

Jesus and his disciples saw a man blind from birth. The disciples began speculating about it.  They wanted to know why he was born blind. Was it because his parents sinned or because of his sin? Jesus viewed it from a whole different perspective; he looked at the potential of the situation to bring glory to God.

When things go wrong in our lives, don’t we do the same thing? We wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?” But Jesus reminds us that the bigger question is, “God, how will you work in this situation so that the works of God will be displayed in this?”

There are times that call for evaluation, but we could speculate endlessly about the “whys?” of any situation. Eventually that speculation must turn to expectation: “how are you going to work?”.

God is good and his plans are good. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28 ESV). The “Why?” question must turn into the “How?” question. Even the difficult place you are in right now is an opportunity for God to work on your behalf. This is an opportunity for you to trust Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to turn my “why?” questions into “How?” questions. Help me to look with expectation for the way you will work in my present circumstances remembering that you will work things out for good and for your glory. Amen.