Paul was a man used greatly of God. With God’s helping hand this evangelist survived shipwrecks, beatings, persecutions, imprisonments, and other ill treatment. With God’s miraculous help, this man was used in healings, revivals, and many miracles.
However, as used of God as he was, Paul still had a personal ailment (II Cor. 12:7).
“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.” II Corintians 12:7
Commentators have strained at attempting to name Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” God has chosen not to make it clear to us what it was.
No matter what it was, Paul made it evident that it was an infirmity he faced. Three times Paul pleaded with God to remove the malady from him (vs. 8). God’s answer was “… My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness …” (vs. 9).
Here was a man that had seen glorious things in the third heaven (II Cor. 12:2-4), and had been delivered from many horrible things; yet God wanted Paul to experience this physical problem. God could have easily healed his body, but His answer was that God’s grace was enough for him to live with the problem; and that Paul’s infirmity would be a vehicle to make him spiritually stronger.
If God would allow one of His great spiritual warriors to face such a battle, we too should not be surprised if we face health problems. As it is with most trials, we can do one of two things when going through a testing. We can either shake our fist at God and be angry with Him, which is not the wise thing to do when we need Him the most; or get close to Him and rely on Him to get us through the challenge.
Paul chose not to be foolish and get angry with God, as some do. He decided if God allowed him to go through the problem, then he was going to have a good attitude about it (II Cor. 12: 10) and give God the glory. In doing so, Paul was learning exactly what God wanted him to learn; that when he was weak, he was the strongest through God’s help!
Some cry, “Why me?” when they go through a trial.
My question to them is, “Why wouldn’t it be you? Are you something special that you shouldn’t have problems, or sicknesses?” God promises eternal life in Heaven to the saved. He never promised anyone thhe would not have problems on Earth. Problems many times are a result of the curse put on this Earth because of sin. Since we are on Earth, we should expect side-effects of that curse.
I know you are fully aware of physical suffering and the various ways it impacts a life, a marriage, a family, etc.
We often kid about “The Golden Years”. To some it is the anticipation of retiring, relaxing, traveling etc.
But for many they find a much deeper meaning as they suffer with pain, disease, poor health.
I have found the goodness and mercy of the Lord is with us day by day even though we suffer. The anticipation of being with the Lord takes on new meaning, and the time we have to devote to prayer all make up the “gold” of our final years.
It is a time to reflect on all the Lord has done for us and to ask him for the strength to finish our race well; bringing glory and honor to him.
God bless you and your wife.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
I’ve been praying for you, brother. I know you are going through a lot but you are still a goood example.
@ Brother Brinkworth:
I read your testimony about your suitcase and your grandmother this morning from the Bible View. I think it is the second time I have read it. It is a blessing, please don’t ever think that people tire of hearing it. Thanks for sharing it. I look forward to the next time I see it somewhere.
David
I shared it on the devotional, but it has been almost nine years since it has been in the Bible View. I thought it would be a blessing to those that witness to family members but see little results.
Thanks folks… praying for a thorn free year for us all!
Sometimes God gives a thorn in our side to keep us humble , other times He does not heal as he wants to take us home . Then maybe not heal so we can have empathy for others in like mode .
Very wise…..