John 9:3 Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
If we intend to live to love with Jesus, we lay aside faulty reasoning that only blames the devil and people for difficulties, tragedies, illnesses, disabilities, and evil. Yes, the devil and fallen people play their parts, but they don’t determine the purpose for their presence in our lives. Joseph had the right view in assessing his brother’s actions against him. He rightly said, “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). To love with Jesus, we embrace the truth that God is at work in all things, even tragedies, disabilities, and our sins, for good and for His glory. The apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29). If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31). There are three foundational truths for believers in God: 1) There is one God from whom are all things, and He is love. 2). His purpose in all things is that we find our full satisfaction in Jesus, 3) and be conformed to the image of His Son. Stand firm on this foundation.
