"Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost
But now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see"

There's always something about those healing words to help remind us all of His amazing grace. But have you ever thought about the words beyond the song.

While reading John 9, the introduction really spoke to me.

John 9
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.


How often as a parent or even a grandparent have we watched our children suffer a pain that is beyond our control and just wanted to take it away for them? How often have we blamed ourselves or wondered what sin we have committed that God is punishing us through our children? How often have we begged for God to just punish us instead?

While my faith has remained strong these past few years with the trials and tribulations of watching my children suffer and I have leaned and allowed myself to be cradled in His arms, I couldn't help but sometimes wonder if their suffering was my fault.

But I am reminded in John 9 that sometimes it isn't to "punish" us, but instead so that we may become stronger and so that the person who suffers may be used for the greater good of His will. I really believe that God has a greater plan and my children are a part of that plan.

In a conference with Bradley's teacher, she shared that she felt so bad for his respiratory and allergy issues she sees in class, but that she is just amazed at his positive attitude about everything. For all his sufferings he had a chance to become such an angry little boy, but he embraces life and is such an amazing and loving little boy. He has no fear of sharing his stories of Jesus and God and the times he has spent with them. I pray he continues to share his experiences with others.

For those of you who have suffered, are suffering, or feel the trials and tribulations of a loved one who suffers, know that God has his reasons and that he is with you.