Thorn In My Flesh
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the 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.
Thought For Today:
Which would be more troubling to you, Cancer or Alzheimers? Diabetes or Headaches? Footache or backache? Cold or Flu? The apostle Paul said, 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. When are we going to get to the point that we trust God like that? When do we get to the point that we, like Paul, glory in our infirmities that the power of God may rest upon us? From the time we are born, this flesh is heading back to where it came from, the dust. You can paint it up, hold it up, mark it up, wash it up, and try to keep it up, but one day, it's going to give up! So wouldn't it be better if we learn to rejoice in our tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope, And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. I'm not trying to down play your aches and pain. God knows I have them myself. But I have just made up my mind that I'm not going to let my pain and/or my diagnosis become my identity. So as for me, I refuse to let aches steal my praise. Scripture tells me to rejoice evermore and that in everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18);
"Appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified"(Isaiah 61:3). Sometimes you can praise and shout out the aches and pains.
