An Eternal Agenda

And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:2 (NKJV)

Life is filled with questions. Things happen in life that leave us confused and scratching our heads. And if we believe in God and that He is ultimately in control of all things, it’s only natural that we fire those questions in His direction. So at some point or another, we’ve all asked, “Why, God?”

In John Chapter 9, Jesus and His disciples saw a man in the city streets of Jerusalem who had been born blind. The disciples asked Jesus, “Why did God allow this man to be born blind? Was it because of his own sin, or was it punishment for something his parents had done?”

Notice that their question is rooted in an earthly perspective. They were focused on the consequences suffered in this life alone. But Jesus expanded the perspective to include a greater, eternal agenda:

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” (John 9:3 NKJV)

God allowed this man to be born blind, knowing it would serve as the backdrop for an enduring lesson. Jesus would miraculously heal this man and in doing so reveal Himself as the Light of the World. But beyond that, this miracle would lead to a greater work in this man’s life, as he placed His faith in Jesus as the Son of God (John 9:35-38).

When God allows something that seems confusing, like this man’s blindness, we need to remember that He’s always operating according to a greater eternal agenda. Because He loves us, He allows things that will be best for us in the long-term of eternity, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the short-term of here and now.

The next time God allows life to take a confusing turn, remember that He has an eternal agenda for you, and trust that it’s for your utmost good.