When the disciples asked Jesus why a blind man was born that way, they had only two possible explanations in mind: either the blind man or his parents had sinned. Jesus replied that neither was the case; the man was born blind "that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (John 9:2-3). In other words, his blindness was for the glory of God. Jesus proceeded to heal this man, who then believed on Him as the Son of God and testified of Him openly.
Eighteen centuries later, in America, the baby daughter of a Christian family went blind. Unlike the blind man of Jesus' day, she was not healed and never regained her sight. Was her blindness for God's glory? Ask the countless believers who have found comfort in the hymns of Fanny Crosby. The blind poet herself declared: "If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things around me."
Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne.... Someday we will join in this song, together with Fanny Crosby, the blind man Jesus healed, and the saints from all the ages. We will see then, in the light of Eternity, that everything we endured was for our good - and for the glory of God.
All Scripture references from KJV. Commentary ©2012 Hitchcock Family Ministry. Unaltered text may be reproduced freely without financial gain. Original commentary and Scripture song available at http://www.freescripturesongs.org/blessing-and-honor-and-glory-and-power.