Who’s fault is it that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere? Who’s fault is it that an earthquake leveled Port-au-Prince? Who’s fault is it that almost 20,000 kids in Compassion’s care lost homes, clothes, parents, food, or water on January 12th? Who’s fault is it?

I’ve been asking these questions a lot. Last night I dreamed the closest thing to an answer that there may be.

I dreamed the story of the blind man in John 9.

Everyone was asking Jesus why the man was born blind. Who’s sin did God punish by taking this man’s sight? Was it this man’s sin or his parents’? Who’s fault is it?

Jesus said, “Neither.”

“You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines.” (The Message)

Another translation says the man was blind simply so that “the works of God might be displayed in him.” (NIV)

The tragedy happened so that God could triumph. The blindness struck him so that God could bless him.

He said this and then spit in the dust, made a clay paste with the saliva, rubbed the paste on the blind man’s eyes, and said, “Go, wash at the Pool of Siloam” The man went and washed—and saw. (The Message)

The news crews are rolling out of Haiti. Twitter updates have stopped pouring out of Port-au-Prince. Giving is slowing down. Some artists who were clamoring to help Haiti two weeks ago are now pretty ho-hum about the whole thing. But thousands in Haiti are still blind. Their blindness is an opportunity for God’s people to “display” God’s compassion, comfort, and power.

Now that the first wave of help has come and gone it’s more crucial than ever that God’s people continue to stand with Haiti, to heal, rescue, counsel and give until they’re sight returns. To work long after Haiti has fallen from the headlines.