As Jesus walked through Jerusalem, He came across a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:1)
Now, isn’t that just typical of us humans? The moment we’re faced with a problem, our first instinct is often to find someone to blame. Whether it’s illness, misfortune or tragedy, many people are quick to point fingers – even at God. The disciples were no different.
Do you want to know how Jesus responded? He said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him” (John 9:3).
Sometimes, we tend to see challenges as punishment, but have you considered seeing them from a different perspective, like Jesus? Often, when we’re hit with hardship and we ask why. Why me? Why now? Why is this happening? Instead of asking why, God invites us to ask what for. What might He want to do through this situation? What lesson is being taught? What transformation is about to take place?
So, what happened next in the blind man’s story?
Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and rubbed it on the man’s eyes. Then He told him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam.
Now, imagine being that man. You’ve been blind your entire life. Someone puts mud on your face and tells you to go wash it off somewhere else. You might be tempted to say, “What’s the point?” But the blind man didn’t question, he acted in faith and returned seeing.
That simple act of obedience changed his entire life.
But that wasn’t the end of the story, there’s more.
“…the neighbours and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, ‘Is not this he who sat and begged?’ Some said, ‘This is he.’ Others said, ‘He is like him.’
He said, ‘I am he’” (John 9:8-9).
Perhaps you’re facing a situation right now that has people talking. People may even refer to you as your problem and it can be discouraging. But the same people who witness your struggle can also be the ones who witness your transformation.
And that transformation doesn’t come from blaming or complaining. It comes from trusting — even when you don’t yet see the full picture.
That blind man could have refused. He could have said, “Nothing’s ever worked before — why would this?” But he didn’t. He dared to believe that something new could happen.
And that’s what we’re inviting you to do today. We’re now in the second week of the ‘Novena of Prophecy’ — a nine-week spiritual purpose focused on seeking the fulfilment of God’s promises in your life. It’s a time to exercise your faith — not just with words, but with action.
If you are struggling with your overall well-being, take a moment now and write down what you want to see being fulfilled in your life. When you do that, you’re making a statement of faith. You’re saying, “Lord, I’m ready for You to be glorified in this.”
Let’s not forget — the people around the blind man didn’t believe it was him at first. “Isn’t that the man who used to beg?” some asked. Others said, “It just looks like him.” But he spoke up, loud and clear: “I am he.”
He owned his story. He didn’t hide from the past — he used it to highlight what God had done and the same could happen for you.
Event: Novena of Prophecy
Day and time: Tuesday 3rd June at 7.30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm)
Location: At your local Universal Church
Please note that the Universal Church’s spiritual advice is to be seen as a complement to the scientifically proven treatment you may be receiving. The Universal Church does not claim to heal people but believes that God can through the power of faith. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
