Faith is easy when life is easy, but greater when it's hard

In Job 1:9, Satan pointed out a long standing truth: When things are going well, it's easy to worship God. But what about when things aren't going so well? What about when you face trials? What if these trials aren't even a new thing? Some people are born with illness or disabilities, or perhaps they've spent their whole lives in poverty, or even in an abusive environment. In these situations, it becomes more difficult to worship God.

Satan, not understanding the power of God, assumed that faith is a weak thing dependent on God's favor, but in Job's example, God demonstrated that true faith isn't something that can just be shaken. By grace of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, Job endured unimaginable torment without once cursing God. In doing so, he provided a timeless example for us to follow.

In John 9, Jesus and the disciples came across a blind man, and the disciples ask for whose sin, his own or his parents, was he being punished for. Jesus' response was that neither assumption was correct. The man wasn't born blind because of a specific sin, but so that he could glorify God. In context, as shown by verse 4, Jesus was referring only to this specific man, but the principle still applies universally. It's easy to glorify God in prosperity, but the testimony of one who suffers a lot is far more powerful.

In apologetics, appeal to emotion is a fallacy, but is nevertheless effective. That is, until it is blocked by identity. It's easy for an opponent of God to use blindness as an argument against His existence, but when they encounter a blind Christian, the argument loses its emotional weight. Rather than using their blindness as an argument against God, a blind Christian can use their disability to glorify Him. Blindness enables empathy with other blind people. It boosts patience and spiritual growth. It provides perspectives on life that a sighted person might not see (no pun intended). Blind people can glorify God in ways other people can't.

Trials are not a sign of God's indifference, non-existence, negligence, or hatred. Rather, they promote spiritual growth. They can be used to glorify God in unique ways. If you're a Christian suffering with anything, use Job and the blind man as examples. You are no less loved by God, but rather are blessed with a gift other Christians don't have. Pray that God will show you how to use your weaknesses for the advancement of the Kingdom.