Grace and Power
Some people think they have a thorn of the flesh, and some folks believe they do not. Those who assume they have one, assert that such a thorn in the flesh helps Christians reflect on their circumstances by considering the presence of God. The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7 states “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.”
If you do not know by now, life is filled with thorns. It is a life with numerous tribulations, insecurities, panic attacks, disasters, calamities, persecutions and strife. Christians are not exempted from a thorn filled life. Believers are encouraged to read about the hardships Paul faced in 2 Corinthians 11:24-29. It records his extreme adversities and periods of harsh difficulties, which were part of his apostolic ministry. They include persecutions, undergoing a shipwreck, being stoned, receiving 39 lashes, many sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, anxiety for his fellow brothers and sisters, danger in the wilderness, danger from robbers and danger at the hands of his Jewish brethren. In fact, he even faced false brothers claiming to be Christians, who came to church to create strife and division and to stir up trouble.
For many believers, their thorn in their flesh consists of physical ailments, relational problems, spiritual concerns or emotional issues. This article provides words of encouragement to those going through an intense struggle, and, through His grace and power, will provide the inner rest, peace, love and joy that many yearn for.
Don’t ever take the words of Jesus for granted or lightly. In Matthew 11:29-30 He says “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
James reminds us in his letter to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Moreover, consider what happened by divine permission to Job and Paul. Satan was allowed to bring disasters and afflictions into their lives. Do not let satanic activity oppose you to the point you abandon your faith in God. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, He remained loyal and faithful to the LORD God.
It is important to make the distinction between fleeing from sin and not fleeing from your troubling circumstances. We should flee from sinful areas like Joseph did, as demonstrated in Genesis 39:9 “…How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Always make the distinction between fleeing from sin and not fleeing from your troubling circumstances. However, we can’t escape problems. Instead, our prayers should be, “LORD if you do not want to relieve us from our tribulations, refine our character through these situations.”
Someone may ask “Why me Lord?” Perhaps God is using a painful experience to get our attention, after all, many people only think about God when bad things happen. Is God using a painful situation in your life today?
Consider Psalm 119:71 “It was good for me to suffer, so that I might learn your statutes.” Or are you going to remain obstinate? “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD” (Proverbs 19:3). Remember, suffering is inevitable. Even Christ the LORD God (John 20:28 “Thomas replied to him, “My Lord and my God!”) suffered. So, expect to suffer for His name’s sake. God wants to refine your spiritual and moral character to grow you in Christlikeness. Let the world’s problem and schemes of Satan drive you to the Lord. God utilizes them for good. Can God bring good out of evil? Of course, He can. God’s grace is always sufficient and will always give strength and guidance. Being a responsible steward of His word through pain and tribulation is possible because God is our refuge. Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
George L. Arroyo