Why Must I Go Through This?

Why Must I Go Through This?

II Corinthians 12:7-10

Radio Message for May 2003

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 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. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 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. 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.

Introduction:

Are you a born-again, Bible believing Christian? Are you suffering from a physical ailment? What’s wrong with you? Don’t you have any faith? If you really had faith, couldn’t you just "claim the victory in the name of Jesus" and rebuke the demons causing the disease or physical problem? There must be something wrong with your faith.

This kind of teaching is both hurtful and unbiblical. There are many, especially TV evangelists, who preach this kind of health, wealth, and prosperity gospel, plunging many listeners into total despair. Understandably, many who pray, and pray, yet do not get healed encounter a serious crisis in their faith.

The Apostle Paul experienced something like this and it was recorded and preserved perfectly forever for us to read in scriptures. As we study this brief passage, we will find that it is not always God’s will to heal every disease, but it is God’s will to pour His grace upon His own children, with or without His healing.

I. Physical trials are allowed according to God’s perfect plan for your life.

2 Corinthians 12:7

7 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.

A. Satan must have God’s permission to touch us.

Job 1:8-12

8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Job 2:3-7

3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

B. God wants us to depend upon Him, not upon our own recourses.

1 Corinthians 2:3

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

1 Corinthians 1:28-29

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

C. Paul’s trial was probably physical.

1. Had to do with his flesh, or his physical body.

2. Thorn = large splinter or stake

3. Buffet = strike repeatedly with fists.

4. It is possible that for Paul it was poor eyesight.

Galatians 4:13-15

13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.