“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10).
We find in today’s verses the story of one who had a “thorn in the flesh.” We may not know what it was, but this kept Paul humble. Paul asked for this “thorn” to be removed three times. God answered no. Paul was going to have to live with the “thorn” the rest of his days. On the surface, this sounds harsh. God will never say no and abandon you. He didn’t leave Paul either. He assured Paul of that fact with words that would give him hope and strength. Paul had to be completely dependent on the Lord. He gloried in his infirmity and times of adversity knowing the power of Christ would be upon him.
Today you may be battling some type of infirmity. You may have your own “thorn in the flesh.” You’ve begged for Him to remove it. You have everybody you know praying for you. As time passes, don’t get discouraged. God is still there and the same words He gave to Paul, He will give to you: “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for sufficient financial support for the WNAC office—an ongoing need.
