Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
It is hard to believe that these words were written by the Apostle Paul, who was a Rock Star of the Faith. Paul wrote most of the New Testament. He spoke with great authority to Christians regarding the teachings of Jesus and the application of the Word of God to everyday life.
Yet, here he is, Paul the Apostle, confessing that he has an affliction which is so big that it humbles him. Some theologians think Paul may have lost his eyesight, others think that he had a difficult wife, but no one knows for sure what the affliction was. We do know it interfered with his daily life and his ministry.
Paul’s affliction made him feel like less of a Rock Star of the Faith and more like a regular person. It humbled him.
We too may have afflictions which interfere with our Christian ministry to others. We may have a bad marriage or bad kids or a bad financial situation or a physical ailment or limitation. No matter what the circumstance is that humbles us, we still are filled with the power of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment