“For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 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.” (2Corinthians 12:6-10 KJV)
How many times would we have liked to brag about our achievements, our qualifications, ourselves? But such self-glory is foolish when compared to our Lord’s achievements, and ours melt away into “filthy rags.”
Do we need an attitude adjustment? In today’s passage, Paul’s attitude sure seems uncommon to our experiences. In verse seven, he speaks of a “thorn” that tormented his life and ministry. He talked with the Lord until he understood what this thorn was about. Here are his words: it “was given to me . . . lest I should be exalted above measure.”
Is that a concern for us . . . exalting ourselves above what is proper? It was such an important issue for the great Apostle that God graciously placed a unique “thorn” in his life to empower him with humility. Paul claimed it was to ensure that Christ’s power would be clearly seen despite his weakness.
What a great perspective! To recognize that our weaknesses and our unique thorns are there to guard us against conceited arrogance. We need the power of God evident in our lives, yet we plead with God to deliver us from our weaknesses and thorns. But those are present so that we will depend on the power of Christ and not on ourselves.
Dear Father, thank you for your strength despite our weakness. Thank you for sustaining grace. Empower us to depend on your strength and power. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the sufficiency of Christ’s grace and power,