“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.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (KJV)
What an humbling thought: God is even concerned about us exalting ourselves. We live in such a time and circumstance that abounds with blessings, both spiritual and material. Such abundant blessings and spiritual work have the tendency to exalt most of us “above measure.” How easily we forget that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” The gift is not of our making, no matter our ingenuity. Our ingenuity also is from God.
Then there is that infernal thorn in the flesh, yours and mine. Prayer doesn’t remove it. Fasting doesn’t remove it. Laying on of hands doesn’t remove it. It is allowed because we would be insufferable with out it. It is allowed to remind us of how weak we are at the end of the day. It is allowed for a purpose. It is allowed to instill our constant need for God.
Perhaps we should consider: which would I rather have, my power or Christ’s power? Paul relates that it is better to have “infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” In order for Christ’s power to rest upon us, we must recognize and rest in the sufficiency of his grace. It is in our weakness that Christ’s power is perfected in us. “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Dear Father, thank you for the strength of your grace and mercy. Forgive us today for all our self-exaltations. Enable us to be strong through your power. Empower us with the sufficiency of your grace. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his grace and live humbly before him,