Words of Hope Daily Devotional
Who Sinned?
Read: John 9:1-11
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. (v. 1)
The miracle in today’s reading is anticipated by a question the disciples ask Jesus regarding this blind man. The disciples implied their answer by the wording of their question, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (v. 2). We sometimes ask the same question. If something bad happens to someone, the easiest interpretation is that they did something wrong, and that God (or the universe) is punishing them.
Jesus’s response shows that this is not the way God works. He tells the disciples that neither the blind man nor his parents sinned, but the man is in this situation “that the works of God might be displayed in him” (v. 3). This is a very important truth. According to Jesus, the heavy or difficult situation you are in might not have any direct connection to your sin, but God wants to display his power, might and glory in you. What you are experiencing is an opportunity for the King of the universe to display his immense power in your life!
Suffering is unavoidable in this world. Christians are not immune to sickness, suffering or even death. However, God has a higher purpose in our pain and suffering. He gives us grace and power from God through the Holy Spirit to have peace and hope in the middle of illness and suffering, even to have unwavering hope in death. Our response to suffering is a testimony to others of God’s work in our lives.
As you pray, ask for grace and power from God in the midst of your suffering.
About the Author
Genci Hoxha
Genci Hoxha is one of the leaders at a local church in Tirana where he is also involved in the ministry of teaching and preaching the Word. For 19 years, he served full-time with CRU in Albania. Three years ago, Genci Hoxha published his first poetry book entitled “Pasqyra e Qiellit” (English: The Sky’s Reflection).
These devotionals were first published in Fjalet e Shpreses, Words of Hope’s Albanian devotional. Learn more about Words of Hope Albania, and our work in training and equipping local Christian leaders to write and share the Word of God.
God Creates
Read: Genesis 1:26-31 Let us make humans in our image. (v. 26 NRSV) The Sioux people of the northern Great Plains in North America believed the longest distance we journey in life is between our head and our heart. This
The Most Painful Doubt
Read: Philippians 4:4-9 The God of peace will be with you. (v. 9 NIV) Emotional doubt is the most difficult because it grows out of deep hurt and the emotions our trauma has produced—anger, anxiety, depression, sorrow. In these concise
Repent and Believe
Read: Mark 1:14-20 The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! (v. 15 NIV) With volitional doubt—doubt based on a stubborn refusal to give in to God’s will for life—the means by which Jesus overcomes
Feeding Your Faith
Read: Romans 10:9-17 Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (v. 17 NIV) Although Jesus might drive out doubt immediately, he almost always uses other means, and different means for different
What to Do With Your Doubt
Read: Mark 9:14-27 I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! (v. 24 NIV) I’ve been trying to give you a clear look at doubt. Now I want to help you to do something about it. What will you do
The Body Is Weak
Read: Mark 14:32-42 The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (v. 38 NIV) Some doubt rises in our minds because of our human nature. I mean that in two senses—because we are sinners and because we are finite.