"¹ As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" ³ "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. ⁴ As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." ⁶ Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man´s eyes. ⁷ "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing."

Introduction: As Jesus walked along the road, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Jesus, who sinned? This man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

We must realize that the big and small sufferings that we experience in our lives are the stage on which God´s glory can be displayed.


1. The division of the Red Sea during the Exodus.
    1) The Israelites could have crossed in shallow water in the Chaldean Sea, on the
        upper side of the Red Sea (Ex 14:4).
    2) God chose a place right across the Red Sea, which was the deepest part of it and
        had them encamp (Ex 14:1-2).
    3) God hardened Pharaoh´s heart, so Pharaoh and all his army pursued the Israelites
        (Ex 14:8-9).
    4) God delivered the Israelites out of a desperate crisis (Ex 14:13-14).
    5) God´s glory was revealed eternally (Ex 14:21-22, 28).

2. Concerning the resurrection of Lazarus.
    1) Two sisters sent word to Jesus to come over and save Lazarus, but He purposely
        stayed there two more days (Jn 11:6-7).
    2) The words of Jesus (Jn 11:4).
    3) The purpose of Jesus (Jn 11:14-15).
    4) God prepared a stage (Jn 11:38-44).

3. The stage of suffering, for Jesus´ life to be revealed (2Co 4:11).
    1) For God´s glory to be revealed.
        ⓛ My tuberculosis 50 years ago.
        ② God will raise us again (2Co 4:14).
    2) Preparation and confidence in our hearts.
        ⓛ Prayer and confidence in the miracles of God (1Co 2:9; Jer 33:3).
        ② Take away the unbelief and disobedience of our heart (Jas 2:17; Mk 11:23).
        ③ Give thanks and wait for a miracle (Ps 50:23; La 3:26; Isa 30:18).


Conclusion: God is faithful. He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But when we are tempted, He will provide a way out so that we can stand up under it.