The blind Man - John 9:2-3

"His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

Sometimes I question God why certain things have to happen in a certain way and most of the time I don't see the big picture. I get frustrated with God. I wonder now if the blind man felt that way? Did he ever question why he had to pay for his parent's sin? I bet he never saw (pun not intended) how his sickness would fit perfectly into God's plan and how such pain could turn into something beautiful and how his life would be transformed.

Can you imagine how he felt when he heard our Lord say that he was born blind so that God's glory may be displayed in him? He could have felt assurred or he could have felt angry thinking God was using him.. or maybe he could have felt Hope.

I think about how sometime we are inflicted with pain, suffering or even life threatening diseases. We begin to doubt God, why if He loved us he would allow such a thing to happen to us or to our loved ones. We immediately think that sickness is bad. But what if sickness brings us closer to God? What if God allows sickness so that we slow down and take the time to look at what really matters?

When in January I was sick with depression, I found Hope. Work had turned me into a cranky person. I would barely say much to my parents when I got home and I was often irritable. I didn't like them asking me how my day was etc. But in my sickness, my mum even though she herself was nursing a heart problem took care of me and loved me. My dad took the trouble to drive me to clinics (I saw many doctors) etc. He also texted me everyday to remind me to take things easy and eat well. They re-assurred me as much as I needed.

I was so overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that they loved me so much even when I didn't return that love. Through the time I was recovering, I spent lots of time with mum. Played scrabble with her (which is really fun), snuggle up in my parents bed with them watching TV, just coming home early from work and spending time with them. I rediscovered that come what may, my family will always be my anchor. Which is so important when the world seems to spin in that alarming speed these days.

In my confused and depressed state, I found the best cure, Hope. Hope that even the worst of things will pass and no matter how bad you think you are, there's someone who's not going to stop loving you. Hope because with each new day you can try again.

He allowed my sickness so that I might rediscover how He still loves me. How He is with me till the end of time.