They say hindsight is 20/20. But most of us do not want to look back on 2020. It was a year of confusion, lockdowns, sickness, political unrest, and more. Many were quick to pronounce the COVID pandemic as God’s judgement on the sinfulness of our world. But here we are nearly two years later and we hear the words of Jesus in John 9, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
At the end of the chapter, we see that those opposed to Jesus remain under the assumption that sin caused the blind man’s affliction: “’You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?’ And they cast him out.” (John 9:34) Based on his physical condition, the Pharisees assumed his sinfulness.
In order that we do not fall into the same trap as the Pharisees, let us take time to see the works of God on display. Often with think about God’s work. Rarely do we write it down.
There is something powerful about writing, whether it is prayer requests, praises, thanksgiving, or blessings. Writing things down makes them seem more real. Moving things from your mind to paper can be a source of great joy, and sometimes even release from burdens. Let’s take time to do that today.
“Father these past two years have been difficult. But I thank you that you see all things, hear all my prayers, and know my hurts. But I also thank you that you are in control of all things. In spite of all the craziness and uncertainty, I want to thank you now for the blessings that I have seen over the past two years. Lord, thank you for…”
Reflection Questions:
What were the unexpected blessings that you saw during the pandemic?
Looking back over the past two years, what are you
thankful for?
When the formerly-blind man’s parents were questioned, they said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes.” Who specifically has seen a change in your life (or circumstances) yet doesn’t know why or how that change happened? How can you use the blessings you wrote above to share the Gospel of Jesus with those around you?