SEEING WHO GOD IS: JESUS
Dani Bucholtz
Today's Scripture: “Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.” John 9:6-7, ESV
Theme: At Easter, we recognize Jesus as the One who shows us that God is Jehova Jirah (the God who provides) and Jehovah Rapha (The God who heals).
FROM UNCERTAINTY TO CLARITY
In John 9, Jesus heals a man who had been blind since birth. It didn’t happen as anyone would expect: the mud, washing, waiting, but the result was clear. Jesus gave him sight. In that moment, we see who God is. He provides and He heals.
There was a season in my life that I would never have chosen. After a failed eye surgery, I found myself in what felt like an endless cycle of doctor visits, treatments, and unknowns. One appointment led to another, and answers didn’t come easily.
But through it all, I had a steady peace. Not because it wasn’t hard; it was. And not because I wasn’t in pain. At times, I was in unbearable pain, but I knew God had control over every part of it.
LED BEYOND WHAT I COULD SEE
As I continued looking for answers, I went for multiple second opinions. Several doctors told me my vision could not be corrected, even with glasses or surgery, but those were not acceptable answers to me. It was 2024/25 and with modern technology, I was confident that there was someone, somewhere, that God would lead me to.
That journey took me across the country. My daughter works at the University of California and through her connections, she was able to get me a fast appointment with a top-rated glaucoma expert. During my appointment, he advised me of the surgical follow ups and many of the “what ifs” and unknowns. I knew at that point that I needed to have a doctor in NC (or I would be living with my daughter indefinitely). In that conversation, he advised that he served his residency with a specialist at Duke, and he called on my behalf to expedite the timeline.
Within a week, I had an appointment. What felt long and uncertain suddenly made sense. God had been guiding every step. I finally knew I was making progress. Multiple surgeries and procedures later, my eye has improved greatly, and I’m beyond blessed and grateful.
I AM WITH YOU
Even when we don’t understand what’s happening, God is still with us. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV).
In that season, I saw God as Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides. He provided the right people, the right timing, and the right path when I couldn’t figure it out myself. “And Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’” (Genesis 22:14, ESV).
I also saw Him as Jehovah Rapha, the One who heals. Healing didn’t come the way I expected, but God was present in every step. “I am the Lord, your healer” (Exodus 15:26, ESV). His healing goes deeper than what we can see.
Like the man in John 9, we may not understand the process. But Jesus is still working. And when we trust Him, He helps us see, sometimes in ways we didn’t expect.
Make It Personal: Where do you need to trust God right now? Even if things don’t make sense, ask Him to help you see where He is working. How has God shown His faithfulness to you in past seasons that can encourage you right now?
Pray: Lord, thank You for being my Provider and my Healer. Help me trust you when I don’t understand what is happening. Remind me that You are with me wherever I go. Open my eyes to see You clearly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: John 9:1–7; Joshua 1:9; Genesis 22:14; Exodus 15:26
Weekly Memory Verse: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures...” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV