THE THORN
II Corinthians 12:7-9a
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' "
What was Paul's thorn? This has caused much speculation, since he did not elaborate. Was it a physical ailment, such as his eyesight as many have proposed? Was it psychological (like depression)? Was it an spiritual (like an unconquerable habit)? Or, as one preacher I heard who suggested that it was his mother-in law? Whatever it was, it caused him much anguish, but God chose not to answer his prayer to remove it. It was a reminder to Paul of his humanity to keep him humble. It also was a reminder of Paul's reliance on God's strength in his weakness. Most of us have a "thorn in the flesh" that we have pleaded for God to deliver us from, but He has chosen to leave it. The pain of that thorn reminds me of my own weakness, and God's promise of grace to get me through.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A thorn in the flesh is God's reminder of our own weakness and His strength for living.
[end]
Have a "grace" day. Love you.
II Corinthians 12:7-9a
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' "
What was Paul's thorn? This has caused much speculation, since he did not elaborate. Was it a physical ailment, such as his eyesight as many have proposed? Was it psychological (like depression)? Was it an spiritual (like an unconquerable habit)? Or, as one preacher I heard who suggested that it was his mother-in law? Whatever it was, it caused him much anguish, but God chose not to answer his prayer to remove it. It was a reminder to Paul of his humanity to keep him humble. It also was a reminder of Paul's reliance on God's strength in his weakness. Most of us have a "thorn in the flesh" that we have pleaded for God to deliver us from, but He has chosen to leave it. The pain of that thorn reminds me of my own weakness, and God's promise of grace to get me through.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A thorn in the flesh is God's reminder of our own weakness and His strength for living.
[end]
Have a "grace" day. Love you.
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