Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?” Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.”- John 9: 1-3 (The Message)
In Chapter 28 (“Turning Your Why’s Into How’s”) of Blessings, Laura Story observes that it is quite natural when we’re going through tough times to ask the “Why?” question. While asking that question initially may be helpful in processing our grief over our ministry downsizing or position loss, Laura believes that focusing too intently on “why” is like a gerbil running on its exercise wheel- we don’t get anywhere and its mentally/physically exhausting.
During our desert, transition time, it is more productive to shift our focus to what God can do and how we can bring glory to Him in and through our situation. As C. H. Spurgeon once stated:
“Have your heart right with Christ, and he will visit you often, and so turn weekdays into Sundays, meals into sacraments, homes into temples, and earth into heaven.”
Today’s question: What methods have you found effective for focusing on what God can do? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Sharing our stories”
