2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations (presents the reasons for the thorn in the flesh), there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me (an angel of Satan), lest I should be exalted above measure (This has the Apostle concluding this sentence as it began). (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me (The Apostle knew it was the Lord allowing this, but he didn’t understand why). (9) And he said unto me (the Lord responded, but did not agree), My grace is sufficient for you (speaks of enabling Grace, which is really the Goodness of God carried out by the Holy Spirit): for my strength is made perfect in weakness (All believers are weak, but the Lord tends to make us weaker, with the intention being that we then depend solely upon Him, thereby, obtaining His Strength). Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities (because of the end result), that the power of Christ may rest upon me (If Paul needed so humbling and painful an experience of what the carnal nature is, it is evident that all Christians need it. Whatever weakens, belittles, and humiliates that proud and willful nature should be regarded by the Believer as most worthwhile). (10) 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 (then the strength of Christ can be exhibited through me, but only when I know I am weak). Note: Blue is Scripture – Red is comments reference scripture).
Author Elizabeth Elliot defines suffering as “anything about which one says, ‘Oh, no!’”
That is an apt description. We dislike any incidents that disrupt our plans, interfere with our personal pursuit of happiness, or awkwardly invade our comfort zones.
Our lifestyles are built to repel and avoid it. And that is only human, for who rightly yearns for pain?
Yet the Bible plainly tells us in book after book, chapter after chapter that we should not be surprised by suffering (a thorn if you would). There is no vaccine for tribulation, no inoculation to cure suffering, for Christians or Non-Christians.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
Listen: The bible is full of stories such as; Joseph and Jeremiah knew the stench of jails. David and Moses knew the heat and barrenness of the wilderness. Paul and Stephen knew the sting of stones.
Someone said the Christian is “either headed into a storm, in the middle of one, or coming out of one.” Whatever adversity you face, don’t be surprised. God is completely informed of your problem. By His grace, He can help you advance through your adversity.
BE ENCOURAGED – Remember in Mark 6 vs. 50 while the disciples were in the midst of a storm, Jesus came walking on the water and spoke to them saying: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid).
