As Jesus went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, for him to have been born blind. “Neither he nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered, “He was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” As long as the day lasts, I must carry out the work of the one who sent me; the night will soon be here when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Having said this, he spat on the ground, made a paste with the spittle, put this over the eyes of the blind man and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam (a name that means sent).” So the blind man went off and washed himself and came away with his sight restored.
His neighbors and people who earlier had seen him begging said, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “Yes, it is the same one. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” The man himself said, “I am the man.” So they said, “Then how do your eyes come to be open?” “The man called Jesus,” he answered.
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Many of us can relate to this blind man. From birth, most people have dealt with adversities, sickness, or traumatic events that have negatively affected their lives. I have also experienced disturbing situations that have made me question why it had to be me. But just as Jesus said, “He was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” — the same applies to us. We experience dark valleys so that the works of God might be displayed in our lives. Because of Jesus, I am not who I used to be or where I used to be.
After the blind man was healed, people from his past came and questioned how; then, he told them about Jesus. After receiving salvation, we are all expected to be disciples, witness to people about Jesus, and spread The Gospel, which is his death, burial, and resurrection. But on our journey, the enemy will create schemes to stop us from fulfilling God’s will.
In the past, I have battled with thoughts that made me feel I’ll never be qualified to be used by God and I've battled with people trying to use my past against me. Those negative experiences made me forfeit opportunities that God has given me. But I realized attacking our identity is a scheme the enemy, aka satan, uses to prevent children of God from reaching certain destinations God has called us to.
But despite it all, God's words say, ”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.“
Satan knows you can save many people's lives through your testimonies, so he will do all that he can to stop you. But no matter what method the enemy uses to discourage or dismantle you, continue to do what God has called you to do in holiness and righteousness.
With my own eyes, I have seen the work of the lord and his mighty power in my life. I've seen the way he restores and renews. I've seen the way he heals and saves. I've seen how he loved and lifted me in my darkest hour. I’ve seen how he called me forth to be his own. So, for the woman I am becoming, all glory and honor belong to God alone.
Jesus is the reason I have Become Her.
Linda Smith