This devotion pairs with this weekend’s Lutheran Hour sermon, which can be found at www.lhm.org.
What is your story? Every life weaves a unique tapestry of experiences filled with triumphs, trials, and transformative moments. Our stories are often colored by pain or regret, but remember, through the lens of faith, they reflect the glory of God’s work in our lives. Let’s center our thoughts around the Gospel of John 9:1-11. Here we witness a remarkable story of a man born blind whose life changes forever through an encounter with Jesus, the Light of the world. The crux of our reflection begins with the identity of the blind man.
The Scripture informs us that his blindness is not a reflection of sin or failure. The disciples’ question, “Rabbi who sinned, this man or his parents?”—reveals human nature’s tendency to seek blame and judgment. Yet Jesus masterfully reframes the narrative, asserting it was neither this man’s sin nor his parents, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in his life. The declaration invites us to consider our own identities. Like the blind man, each of us carries a unique this, those burdens, struggles, and heartaches that shape our existence. What is your this? Perhaps it is that grief from losing a loved one, the weight of a chronic illness, a tension in your family life. Each struggle offers God a canvas upon which His glory can be painted as He works in and through our trials. What?—recognizing God’s hand. The question of what unfolds further when we consider the transformation that occurs once the blind man encounters Jesus.
His blindness is not just physical. It symbolizes the darkness that pervades the lives of many. However, through this miracle, something profound takes place, he receives not only sight, but a new identity. As a believer in Christ, he comes to see Jesus as Savior and Redeemer. What a striking reminder that the very thing that defines our this can be the stage for God’s miraculous intervention. Reflect on how God acted in your life. Maybe you have weathered storms, feeling lost yet found salvation through faith. Recognize the times you were lifted from the despair or the moments when peace washed over you amid chaos. Those experiences shape our stories, bearing witness to God’s faithfulness that transcends our struggles. Why?—the purpose of our pain.
Finally, let us ponder the why. Why do we face struggles that define our journey? Jesus provides a powerful answer: to display the works of God. Our pain can be purposeful, serving as a testament to His grace that sustains and redeems us. By sharing our stories, we not only find healing in our own experiences, but also offer hope to others. Each personal testimony is a declaration of God’s faithfulness and a source of encouragement. As we gather in faith, let us embrace the call to share our stories. They may seem ordinary to us, yet they carry divine significance.
As you reflect on the chapters of your life, remember that your story with all its twists and turns is a testament to God’s love and mercy. Embrace your this, knowing that it has power through Christ, the Light of the world. What’s your story? May it be one of hope, restoration, and the unwavering truth that God is working in and through you, displaying His glory in magnificent ways.
WE PRAY: Dear God, give each of us the power and the courage to share our stories each with one another. To reveal Your power, Your grace, and Your mercy. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Rev. Gregory Manning.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you have a “this”—something that is your story, like the blind man?
2. Have you ever felt that you were to blame for your “this” (like the disciples thought someone had sinned in the blind man’s life)?
3. Has anyone ever shared their story with you in such a way that you saw God’s power and glory working even through a negative situation?