Tag: sin

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When They Just Don’t Want to Know

The Manna Chef

Why is it that when someone is suffering, everyone assumes that it is punishment as a result of sin?  People spend a lot of time trying to figure out your situation and often come to the wrong conclusions.  John 9:1-7 gives us an account of Jesus healing a man who was born blind.  Even the disciples thought the blindness was a result of sin (either the man or his parents).  Jesus assured them that no one had caused the blindness:  God allowed it so that His glory would be on full display.  That’s right; some of the tests that you encounter are simply to allow God’s glory to be seen in your life.  When challenges arise, it’s not always because you’ve done something wrong.  The enemy berates us and tries to make us think that God is on His throne waiting to beat us down.  But that is not the God we serve.  He is not just going about trying to find people to punish.  Sometimes He puts you on display for His glory to manifest.  He actually chooses you for some tests and has already given you the victory.  You just need to trust Him and obey.

John 9 continues to paint the picture of how the people reacted to the man who was healed:

8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was.

Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”

But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”

10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.

11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

Now, these folks had known him all his life, but for some reason, they seem to have trouble believing that his condition has changed.  Believe it or not, some people would rather you stay in a state of distress and brokenness than to see you delivered.  Instead of celebrating the miracle, they were too busy trying to figure out how he was healed.  The man told them about Jesus.  That’s what we should do without hesitation; point them right to Jesus.  But, be warned…not everyone will celebrate your miracles and blessings. 

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God Loves You Even on Your Worst Days

The Manna Chef

We know God loves us.  His Word reminds us over and over.  We know that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for us.  We know that He loves us with an everlasting love.  We all know that, right?  But have you ever had one of those days when you just feel unlovable to anyone, including God?  Have you ever felt so far from God because of your failures or shortcomings?

I read something recently that I had to just meditate on:  God loves you on your worst days.  I read it over and over.

Talk about unconditional love!  We’ve been taught since we were children that when things get tough, you’ll find out who your real friends are.  I learned it in the midst of divorce, sickness, and periods of lack.  God reveals those who are meant to be your life-timers, people who will be there for the long haul. 

But I’m referring to challenges that go even deeper than that.  I mean, have you ever felt distant from God?  And I’m not just talking about the separation that results from sin.  I’m talking about that feeling of just being far from God, even when you are praying, reading His word, doing what He’s telling you to do—and still feeling like you’re falling short or like you’ve somehow missed “it.”  It’s like that loneliness that Elijah felt right after God showed out on Mt. Carmel.  Elijah saw the supernatural move of God and then experienced one of his greatest lows.  Have you ever been there?

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