JESUS SPEAKING
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. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians: 7 – 9)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
Although no one knows the exact infirmity, Paul struggled with some kind of physical ailment. On three occasions he asked the Lord to heal him, and three times he was denied. According to Jesus, Paul’s suffering would persist because it served the purposes of God. A weak messenger is humble, and so God alone receives all of the glory for His mighty works.
We read of an occasion in the book of Second Samuel, when a young boy named David fought against a giant named Goliath. The child carried no sword or shield, and wore no armor. Instead, he possessed only a sling and some stones. Upon seeing his adversary, Goliath mocked him, saying, “Am I a dog, that you have come out to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Then David replied saying, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you […] Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with the sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” Of course we know that David defeated Goliath with one blow, striking him in the head with a stone. God chose a weak child to accomplish this amazing feat, so that everyone would observe and recognize His power and glorify His Holy name.
In this life, God may use certain ailments or weaknesses to prevent His servants from becoming prideful and independent. Our struggles can often keep us humble by promoting our complete reliance upon God for our care and daily provision. When we give all of the glory to God, we will witness Him accomplishing His mighty works in our lives, and in the lives of those around us.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your daily blessings and provision. May we remain humble so that others might better see your magnificent power and worship You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us, that we may continue to spread the Gospel to all those who walk in darkness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
