A Thorn In The Flesh

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

"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."

A THORN IN THE FLESH

What was the thorn in Paul's flesh that led him to plead for God's intervention? What messenger of Satan was sent to torment him that he begged God to take it away? We are not told exactly what it was, but God declined to grant his request. God's response indicates that it had to do with a physical weakness in his body. What was the weakness? Again, it was not specified. Inspite of the ambiguity surrounding the thorn in Paul's flesh, we know Satan had something to do with it. Every plan of Satan against your life will work for your good in Jesus name.

GOD MANIFESTS HIS POWER IN WEAKNESSES

God decided to use the weakness in Paul's life to display his awesome power. God told him: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” God delights in using weak humans to confront and defeat the powers of darkness. Even with this weakness, God demonstrated his power through Paul by healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons and converting many to the kingdom of light. 2 Cor 4:7 says: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." We are flesh and blood, mortal and prone to weaknesses; but Christ in us makes the difference. God will use you to advertise his power, glory and majesty in Jesus name

EXAMPLES

Jesus was betrayed by a messenger of Satan, Judas. He was tormented and suffered horribly in the hands of his enemies. He carried his cross and bore his thorn. In his moment of weakness, Satan took advantage and death swallowed him. God used that same weakness of death to deliver mankind from the power of sin and death. Satan was defeated at Calvary as Christ declared it is finished. Peter was noted for his weakness - fear. But God used the fearful Peter, through the power of the Holy Ghost, to confound and defeat the powers of darkness (Acts 5:27-33).

GOD'S GRACE IS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT

We are earthen vessels, but we also carry the power of God inside of us - the Holy Spirit. We may have weaknesses, but God is ready to use our weaknesses to glorify his name. We are the battle axe of God against the kingdom of darkness. God's grace is more than sufficient for us. In our weakness, God's power is manifested.

PRAYER:

Father, use me to advertise your power, glory and majesty in Jesus name.

CONFESSION:

In my weakness, God's power is manifested.

God bless you. Shalom.