Disability in the Bible: Life Lessons for Us AllIhe Atụ

The Blind Man & His Sight

Why do we have to endure suffering? 

Why does life seem harder and rougher for some? 

Why can’t I do this or be like that? 

Sometimes, you may look around at your life or your circumstances, and you just don’t understand why things are the way that they are. 

In Mark 8, some villagers brought a blind man to Jesus for healing. After leading him out of the village, Jesus spat on the man’s eyes, touched them, and asked how his vision was now. The blind man could see, but his vision was shadowy and blurry. 

This is the best everyone can see right now. When you asked Jesus to save you and come into your life, you were granted salvation and new freedom. But that doesn’t mean you now have it all figured out. You don’t and can’t understand everything. You, and everyone else, only see in part. 

Graciously and miraculously, Jesus touched the man again and gave him his full sight. It was so amazing and miraculous that Jesus had to ask the blind man not to return to the village, since it wasn’t time for Jesus’ public ministry yet. 

It’s also amazing how this story is actually a testament to what the life of everyone who trusts and follows Jesus is like. God chose to use the story of the blind man, who others would typically overlook, to reveal the mystery of new life through salvation. 

You see in part now—with your first touch of salvation. Then, when you see Jesus face-to-face and get to experience the fullness of your salvation, you’ll see and understand completely.

So, when you’re tempted to get discouraged by what you can’t do, remember no one is able-bodied in comparison to the new bodies God will give to those who spend eternity with Him (Philippians 3:17–21). 

Perfection isn’t achievable in this life. All your questions answered probably won’t happen in this life. But you can still live a full and meaningful life that honors God, and you can live that life regardless of differences or disabilities. Simply honor and obey God in all you do. Serve His people and His Church with a humble heart. Use the gifts He gave you for His glory. And love. 

Pray: Father, thank You for opening my eyes to the ways you chose to work through people who lived with disabilities in the Bible. Thank You for choosing them. Thank You for having their stories recorded for everyone to read about. Help me remember to step into my calling with boldness, knowing You’ve given me everything I need to complete the work You call me to. Help me to advocate for my needs and the needs of those around me. Help me to be inclusive and to take joy in the fact that You’ve included me at Your table. Help me to remember to praise You for the gifts You give me each day. Thank You for the beautiful life that is to come, where there will be no more suffering, no more questions, no more struggle—just wholeness, new bodies, and eternal love in Your presence.