“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
I don’t like this text. And, I’m pretty sure you’re not going to like this text either.
I don’t like this text. I don’t like this text because when I pray I want God to answer my prayers in the way I want them answered.
I don’t like this text. I don’t like this text because it tells me that sometimes God answers with a straight out “Nope.”
I don’t like this text. I don’t like this text because, not only does God say “Nope,” God says I am going to keep the pain that’s paining you ongoing.
What? What’s that about? Why would God want me to continue being in pain?!?! Doesn’t God care?
Listen. Sometimes God answers our prayers not with the relief we were seeking, but with his grace and strength for us to endure the pain.
I don’t want that! But God does. You know why?
Because God is more interested in our growth and maturity than he is in our comfort.
Because there are certain lessons that can only be learned as we go through a season of discomfort.
Because there are certain truths that we can only come to understand when we recognize our weakness.
I don’t like this text. But I thank God for his genuine desire for what is best for me…and aren’t you glad that this is his desire for you?
Praxis: Faith in Action 