Jason constantinoff
on January 25, 2023
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"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)
Paul was afflicted with what he described as “a thorn in the flesh." I believe it had something to do with his eyesight (Galatians 4:15 & 6:11). Be that as it may, it was a difficulty that must have caused Paul constant pain. It was such a deep-felt thorn that he took it to God in prayer. Not once or twice, but three times he fervently prayed pleading to have his suffering taken away.
Now, how did God answer that prayer? Well, God didn’t remove Paul’s painful burden that he prayed about. In fact, we find that God’s answer to his prayer in verse 9 was the very best answer that Paul would ever hear when God said, "My grace is sufficient for thee."
Notice God didn’t say, “My grace is sufficient for this difficulty, or for this present hour." No, God said “My grace is sufficient for thee." Paul asked for deliverance from this thorn, but God guaranteed him grace for every thorn, every trial and every test throughout his life. God didn't remove Paul's thorn. You see, He gave him something better: grace to continue on.
Yes, Paul would still experience much suffering throughout his ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 some time and look at what he suffered. But Paul carried on the work that God had outlined for his life. And you know what folks? Those various struggles and those ole thorns in the flesh that you and I encounter on a daily basis will bring about an opportunity for the Lord to fulfill His purpose in our life as well.
Rest assured that God’s grace is STILL sufficient for us, and His power is STILL being manifested in us through the difficulties you and I face every moment we live our present life on this Saviour-hating, Satan-hindering, and sin-happy world. O, how marvelous is the grace of God. For it is God's grace that saved us, strengthens us, and sustains us.
And that friends, is why me, you, and every member of God's born again crew can confidently declare, His grace is sufficient for me!
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Rachel
Amen
January 25, 2023