The apostles apparently assuming the worst of a man born blind, asked, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered:
It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent Meas long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. John 9:3-4
The man’s blindness had a specific purpose providing a marvelous opportunity for all to see the glory of God as Jesus gave him his sight. This man’s illumination would in turn illuminate the glory of Almighty God through the ages.
Lazarus, Jesus’ good friend, was sick. Lazarus’ sisters, whom Jesus loved, sent word to him surely hoping that he would save their brother from death. Hearing the news, rather than hurry to Lazarus’ side, Jesus remained where he was for two more days. Lazarus died, but Jesus said:
This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it. John 11:4
Lazarus sickness and death was not simply a random misfortune. Instead, like the blind man’s plight, it was actually an opportunity for Jesus to be glorified as the Son of God. Many of the Jews who saw Lazarus resurrected believed in Jesus as a result.
John wrote, after recording how Jesus described events in Peter’s future:
Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. John 21:19
Only with God, would the hardships of blindness, Sickness and even death be made into glorious victories. As the apostle Paul wrote regarding his own suffering and what Jesus said to him about it:
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, sothat the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2nd Corinthians 12:9
Hardships will come to us all. When they do, will we complain, or will we offer our troubles up as opportunities for God’s glory to be seen in us?