WWJDSample

Jesus Doesn’t Leave Us in Affliction

In this life, we often face affliction. Whether you have dealt with it first hand, or you were a witness to someone else’s hardships, affliction is unavoidable. In John 9, we encounter a blind man, and in verse three, we find the purpose of his affliction. “‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him’” (John 9:3 NIV). He was blind in order to have a testimony of God’s power. The purpose of his burden was to show others that Jesus can do miracles.

Another example of affliction turned to redemption is found in the story of Lazarus. He was a friend of Jesus who died before He could arrive to heal him. But that wasn’t the end of the story! Lazarus’ sisters confronted Jesus as to why He did not arrive sooner, and it was once again, to display God's glory (John 11:40). As Jesus approached the cave where Lazurus laid, He prayed to God, and out came Lazarus! “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face” (John 11:44 NIV).

In both examples, Jesus redeemed the stories of the afflicted. He displayed His care, and through His power, revealed God’s glory. From the blind man to Lazarus, we are able to see that Jesus cares for you. A friend does not leave the ones they care for alone in affliction, and what a friend we have in Jesus!