GOD’S MERCIFUL DESIGN

“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.” (I Corinthians 12:7-10)

Paul accepted the painful “thorn in the flesh as from the Lord, though Satan sent it. He realized God had a holy purpose for it and that it kept him humble and effective in God’s service. Thus, he gloried in his affliction.

He came to realize that it was a blessed gift from God to restrain pride. It was therefore a preventive measure rather than a corrective one.

Paul did not fret or get bitter about the affliction, but he brought it to the right person, he took his case to the Lord and continued to do so until he got an answer. It was not the answer he expected or asked for, but he accepted it gladly.

His desire for the “power of Christ” to be on him far exceeded his desire for comfort. This, of course, evidences a great work of grace in the heart, for none of us are naturally this way. God’s grace is sufficient to change us from seeking personal comfort to submitting to His holy purpose.

In His Love,

Pastor Ed Bowen

July 25, 2010