Have you ever felt guilty for getting a cold or becoming sick? In Jesus' time, there was a strong notion that illness was related to sin. If a person became sick it, this was punishment for some wrong-doing.

Jesus presents another perspective. He says that the man in today's story was born blind for a positive reason-so that God's works may be revealed in him.

The Pharisees, who can apparently see, are actually blind to the works of God revealed to the world in Jesus. They refuse to believe or recognize the intimate link between Jesus and God. In contrast, the man born blind sees the work of God in Jesus. He believes and calls Jesus, Lord. His illness, healing and personal witness all give glory to God.

Like David, the youngest of Jesse's children, and the man born blind, God chooses unexpected people to shine forth the glory and love of God.

As difficult as it may be to believe, the pain and suffering in our lives also has the potential to bear good fruit. We can be witnesses to the glory of God, no matter who we are or in what situation we live.

What would it be like to offer our weaknesses to God and ask if God wants to work through them?