Scripture:
II Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV
[7] 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. [8] Concerning this thing, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Observation:
Those who have studied the bible for years have looked at this passage over and over again and tried to figure out what this thorn Paul was talking about that was in his flesh. The messenger from Satan, and honestly, we could sit here and do the very same thing. There are lots of things in the scripture that we could chase down and look at to try to find out what it was. I, personally, love the way this passage is written. In my mind, I think, well, he talks about infirmities, but then he mentioned reproach and, of course, persecution and distress as well. The question to ask might be, are these clues as to what the thorn is… this messenger of Satan? That floods his mind and heart. Leading him to put his trust in the Almighty GOD instead of what he knows and does. Or are these all categories that we all have in our lives that can distract us from not only believing that GOD can but that HE will as well? So here is my thought on what the thorn is because I believe it’s important to know…. the thorn in whatever area you are weak in. My point is that the thorn is not the focus point. I believe Paul wrote this to show that we all have weak spots that need work. Things that we need to rely on GOD to get us past. Not so that we embrace the weaknesses, but so we can grab hold of HIS strength. GOD has a wonderful way of keeping us humble. Looking at the very first verse chosen this morning gives us a great look at how Paul was given revaluation knowledge inside the scripture and what it meant. The kind of knowledge Paul was given could make a man really proud. We are only human. Pride sneaks in on all of us. Even the great apostle Paul. In fact, that pride in and of itself could have been the thorn that he speaks of. In verse 8, we see that Paul knew right where to go with this issue, which kept him humble. He ran to the father. With it and seemingly begged HIM to take it away. However, all that is to no avail. The father knew that with the knowledge Paul had, this issue would need to be left there so that Paul’s reliance on the father’s strength would never go away. GOD needed Paul to know that there is no way around the grace of GOD. It was impossible. Now verse 9 could get a little muddy if we are not careful, so I’m going to do my best to explain it. The power of Christ was resurrection power. Death could not hold HIM down. HE rose to new life. HIS flesh was put to death, but HIS spirit rose a new man along with HIS flesh. Therefore, making HIS flesh subject to HIS spirit. The power that I believe Paul is talking about is that very resurrection power. The power that makes us new men and women. The power that says the temptation may be there, but the strength to say no is as well. Not to mention the grace if indeed you fail the test.
Application:
The thorn that was spoken about is whatever you struggle with. Whether it be illness, pride, a love for money, greed, selfishness, self-centeredness, lust, or any other sins that were not mentioned in this short list. The grace of GOD is not so that we can embrace our weaknesses. It’s given so that we rely on HIS strength. In life, our weaknesses will be put in front of us. We will see it over and over again. But with GOD’S strength, we will overcome. GOD’S grace allows us to be tested to see if our faith is in the right place so that we can move on to the next level. But I have news for you… with every new level, there is a new devil. GOD is the master chess player. HE knows just how to move you to the next level, and HE will not move you there until you are ready. But once you are there, a whole other level of testing begins. My point is that no matter where you think you are in this walk, you will never be without a need for GOD’S grace. The power of Christ is resurrection power into the knowledge that HIS grace will get you through the next test and the next test and the next test. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ. That takes time it takes moving towards that. Pressing on to win the prize of the upward call of GOD. Passing test after test to become more like HIM every day. So what we need to know is the test is coming… but guess what it’s an open book test, and HIS grace is coming right along with it just in case we forget to open the book for the answer first. Maybe next time we will not forget, or the next time after that. What I do know is that GOD knows just how to get you to where HE is taking you. HE has laid out the path in HIS book. If you are at a testing spot in life, you might look for the answer in those pages, and if you just failed a test, get back up and don’t give up. GOD’S grace is sufficient for you… HIS resurrection power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Embrace the fact that you are forgiven and try again. Lean in on HIS strength. HE has got you where you are for a reason.
Prayer:
father, we know that you are writing a story with our lives, and your glory will be seen all throughout the pages. We know that at our best, we are but filthy rags. There will never be a time when we do not need to lean on you. But you are the all sufficient one. You know just how to mold us and shape us. You know when to apply pressure and when to put water on us just like the potter with a lump of clay. You won’t let us get to dry, and you won’t press too hard. Father, we ask that you shape us into the vessel you want us to be. We know that your grace will be needed throughout the process to keep us from getting over inflated. We do not want to get prideful. We want to lean into you in times of trouble and speak your name in all things. The good times and the bad. You are such an amazing GOD, and your grace is all sufficient, just like you. We pray that we are able to past each test accordingly. Even if we fail it a time or two. We know that you never give up on us. Because you love us in spite of ourselves. All we can say is thank you, Father. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.