July 11, 2018 Wednesday

“2  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago — whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows — such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3  And I know such a man — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows —  4  how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5  Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6  For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. 7  And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2Corinthians 12:2-10 NKJV)

            Humility is one of the hardest things for us as human beings whether we are Christians or not. As people we must choose between accepting humility or receiving humiliation.  We must make this choice every day.

            Paul had an incredibly amazing experience which like the book of Revelation and Daniel is so heavenly amazing to be beyond human speech to describe. For how can we as human beings still struggling with sin describe the holiness and glory of heaven?

            To keep Paul humble God allows a messenger of satan to be a “thorn in the flesh”. What is this thorn in the flesh? Could it be we are not told what this thorn was so each of us can connect to our own thorn in the flesh? If we truly want to grow close to God we will struggle with our humility as we experience God’s presence deeper. God will try to keep us humble even if it takes a thorn in the flesh from satan!

            Paul asked God to take away this thorn three times (could the three times be a representation of the Trinity?) But God’s response is not to remove the thorn but to tell Paul God’s grace is sufficient to see Paul through this experience!

            Even more amazing God tells Paul when he is weak there is a perfect opportunity for God’s strength to be displayed! God is at his best when we are at our weakest, God reveals his great strength and power through our weaknesses. We may use the excuse we are unqualified or unable to serve God but that is just the person God can use the most!

            If you are going through times of struggle, suffering or persecution and wonder why God does not remove that thorn know God is preparing you to be open and ready for God’s power to work through you. In your weakness and your pain you can experience God’s mercy and power more than you ever have before!

            Are you seeking to grow in your experience with God? If God does not answer your prayer the way you want do you believe God doesn’t care? Are you willing to serve God no matter what thorn you have in your life?

As I write this some may think I do not understand what they are going through. For 32 years I served in the pastoral ministry. Over those years my health was so bad that three times they were ready to put me on disability. The third time was the charm as the pain was so great that when I preached I would throw up and since there was no place to go I would have to swallow it. The pain got even more intense and I started to lose feeling in my hands and feet so my wife Bonnie would have to drive me around. At first I had hoped to make it too June which is appointment time. As it got worse I hoped to make it till Easter. Then those over me told me I needed to go on disability at the end of March but I did not even make it till then. Even with many medicines I still am in incredible pain and often overcome by weariness. As it started to get worse twice I prostrated myself at the altar at First Jefferson United Methodists Church and asked God to please heal me so I could serve him in the pastoral ministry. But God’s answer was I am not going to heal you from this but through this! Since leaving the pastoral ministry I attend worship at Asbury United Methodist Church and send cards to shut-ins from both churches and disabled or shut in ministers. In spite of the thorn in my flesh God continues to use me to bless others! It is my prayer through my dependence upon God I can make God smile!