Punishment vs Discipline John 9:1-12

John 9
Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind 
1 As Jesus was passing by, 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 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened that the works of God would be displayed in him. 4 While it is daytime, we must do the work of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When Jesus had said this, He spat on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. 7 Then He told him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. 8 At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was, but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” But the man kept saying, “I am the one.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He answered, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and anointed my eyes, and He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 “Where is He?” they asked. “I do not know,” he answered. 

Faith healers. We've all heard about them. Maybe we've watched them on television or seen them in person. They claim to have special power from God to heal. If they truly can heal the sick, why aren't they at a hospital using their power there? If they can't heal you, it's your fault. You don't have enough faith in God or this healers power. If you only had more faith, you'd be healed. 

There are also the group that believes illness is a result of sin. We ourselves may have thought when health problems hit God is punishing us for some sin in our life. God doesn't work that way. God doesn't punish, God disciplines. Punishment is rough, it makes one suffer, it is  mistreatment, abuse, damaging and harmful. It is undeserved in proportion to a crime. Discipline is a direct consequence for misbehavior. Discipline teaches, strengthens, produces order, instructs and trains. Discipline produces self control. 

Whether it's today or in the future, when illness or hard times hit, instead of asking "What have I done to deserve this?" Ask "What are you trying to teach me Lord?" It's more likely He is preparing you to use you for His glory. 

Blessings, Cecilia