Why not me

“‘It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.’” John 9:3 NLT

In an article titled "Legally blind Omaha man set to graduate from Midland University, while excelling as long-distance runner" that KETV posted Wednesday, the following was reported: This week, 22-year-old Alex France reaches some major milestones in life. He’ll graduate from Midland University with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry. He graduates from Midland as one of the school’s most accomplished distance runners. He plans to attend graduate school and become a counselor. “It’s therapeutic for me. It’s just relaxing,” said France, describing the 50 to 60 miles he logs running each week. France holds the school record in the half marathon. And he earned All American status for his 8th place marathon finish in the NAIA National Championship last year. These milestones are significant because France faces challenges most young men could never imagine. He started losing his vision in middle school. Legally blind, he sees a narrow field of grainy, blurry images and uses assistive technology to learn and study. France ran track and cross country in high school and graduated from Millard North. “I can’t see the end of the sentence — or the word,” said Alex, which prevents him from traditional reading. He’s used his faith, leaned on his friends, coaches, his sport and family to craft the life he’s always wanted. He hopes to run in the Paralympics in 2024 in Paris, France. He also has more marathons and races on his bucket list. His attitude is to push forward, like he does in races. “Sometimes in life, things happen. I wasn’t going to let it change my life. Instead of asking why me, I ask, ‘Why not me?’’ said France.

And you know when it comes to the “why me?” question so many believers throughout the beginning of time have pondered, you and I would do well to remember that tests, trials and times of suffering are the very things that create opportunities for the “power of God” to be seen in us. Consider the story of the man who was born blind. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus said it was not because of the man’s sins or his parents’ sins, but this happened so the power of God could be seen in him. Can you just imagine the sheer joy this man must have felt upon hearing that? He was allowed to suffer so he could be used for God’s purpose! What an honor to be used in such a way that no doubt caused countless people to come to the foot of the Cross.

So no matter what you might be going through today my friend, if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ your suffering will not be in vain. I don’t know how God will work your particular situation out to display His power, I only know that He will. Trust Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that trials always serve a purpose. Help us to consider them joy then knowing that Your power will be displayed in us if we would only trust You and patiently wait for you to act, all the while taking delight in You so that the world would see our faith and be inspired to seek You because of it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen

Happy Running!!!