2 Corinthians 12:5-8
I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say. To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
God revealed to Paul extremely mysterious visions unlike what anyone else has ever seen. Such experience would be enough for anyone be boastful, but the Lord also placed a thorn in his body so that he would not boast. Paul didn't clearly state what the thorn was, simply said it was "messenger from Satan." It was certainly an attack permitted by God, because he pleaded God to remove it for three times but the Lord did not respond favorably.
It's hard to understand why the Lord would allow the enemy to attack us. Some people would complain against God and people when God doesn't answer their prayers, because they feel that they're treated unfairly. As a result, their hearts depart from God or they might take action to revenge. Others just accept what happen to them, enduring what God has allowed to happen to them; however, it's pitiful that some believers would endure hardship all their life without understanding God's will or what God wants them to learn. Paul wasn't like that though; he understood God's will and did not that the thorn hinder him. He was even more zealous for God and he kept on going for Him.
In our life, we must sooner or later learn to follow the Lord's will instead of our own. When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked the Father to remove his bitter cup three times, but He ended the prayer with "Yet not as I will, but as you will." As a result, the salvation that He accomplished on the cross blessed millions of people. Paul prayed three times for the thorn on his body but the Lord didn't remove it, because God wanted to teach him to be humble, and as a result Paul became one of the most powerful vessel of God. When we plead God for things, we might be anxious inside, but sometimes God would not answer in the way that we want. It doesn't mean that God doesn't love us, but He does want to discipline us and make us more mature. May God let us come before Him with joy, rest in His working hands, and proactively work with Him. Are you willing to do that starting today?
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, we thank you because we know that you have a higher and more wonderful will for our lives. Lord, we ask that you help us to understand your will, and to help us to be more determined to surrender ourselves in your will. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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