In his second epistle to the church at Corinth, Paul tells the story of the thorn in the flesh. He says he was given satanic torment "to keep me from exalting myself" (2 Cor 12:7). Isn't that interesting? He said it was "a messenger of Satan," but it was a godly purpose. He implored the Lord three times without relief (2 Cor 12:8). Ultimately, there is no indication that he ever received relief from the thorn. Instead, God's answer to him was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9).
Paul's response is truly remarkable. "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 Cor 12:9-10). Paul really was a loon, wasn't he? He boasted ... in weakness. He was content ... with insults and hardships. He actually believed that his weakness was his strength ... because of the power of Christ on Him.
We all have thorns. We all have issues. Some are short-lived -- illness, injury, and such. Some are permanent. Paul's thorn may have been permanent. What do we do with them? Do we allow our weaknesses and difficulties to embitter us, or do we "boast all the more gladly"? Are we miffed, or are we "content"? Bottom line, is God's grace sufficient ... or do you and I need more?
2 comments:
I'm striving to be in that state of mind. Though sometimes it feels difficult to practice it because I'm so safe, secure, and healthy.
I have always found the topic of Paul’s “thorn” a bit intriguing (what/who was it exactly?). Certainly, his response to his issue is very inspirational and instructive for us. Anything that keeps us from exalting ourselves or trusting too much in our own strengths and to turn to God for grace to cope is a good and needful thing. I am confident that God knows exactly who needs what to accomplish such a goal and doles out such challenges to His children with perfect wisdom, whether they be short-lived or permanent.
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