New Beginnings - Pt. 7

[the Apostle Paul wrote] So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, ha messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12;7-10 ESV).

 

Recently someone responded to my health issues with some very kind expressions of prayer. I am so grateful for everyone who is praying as well as the encouraging words passed on. I answered this expression with a personal word of gratitude and what I hoped was a humorous quip as I wrote back, “At least it has given me some new material for the Morning Devotionals.” Believe me when I say I am somewhat frustrated and disappointed not to be on the mend yet; however, this “weakness” will turn my power to perfection in Christ.

 

No one likes unpleasant surprises and struggles, but in Christ we find strength to deal with such things. The apostle Paul had spiritual high points, receiving amazing visions of heaven, but he also had earthly struggles that wouldn’t go away. We don’t know what his “thorn in the flesh” was, but we do know that Paul thought he could serve God better without the struggles his “thorn” gave him. The devil often tries to put stumbling blocks in our way to suggest that God is not caring for us. Paul records the answer he heard from Jesus: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

 

No matter how unpleasant his “thorn” was, Paul could find delight in knowing that Christ could work more effectively through him because of this affliction he had. Whatever struggles we may face this year, our Lord promises to give sufficient strength and grace for each day and to work through us, remaining with us always. The more painful or difficult our lives become, the more of His grace we receive. The more we receive, the more we have to share with others!