Challenges to Strengthen

March 28, 2014

Opening Hymns:
368 My Hope is Built http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh368.sht

Scripture Reading:
John 9:1-9
9:1 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.

9:2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

9:3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him.

9:4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.

9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

9:6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes,

9:7 saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.

9:8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?"

9:9 Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He kept saying, "I am the man."

Message:
In the Old Testament we saw many people thinking that bad things happen to people because the person had sinned. One of the lessons in Job is that bad things can happen to righteous people. We learn this once more when the disciples ask Jesus why people are born blind. Jesus’ response “…He was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”

So perhaps when life is not going our way, or when bad things happen in our life it isn’t because of sin, or a punishment from God. It might just be the challenge that will make us stronger for the next part of the journey. We may not how these challenges will add to God’s plan, but we must trust in the Lord to get us through every trial we are facing.  

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for Your unfailing love. You have been with us from the beginning, and are with us each step of the way. Help us grow and learn from challenges in our lives so that glorify Your name. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
473 Lead Me Lord http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh473.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God