2 Corinthians 12: 7 - 10 (NKJV)
“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.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
God’s ways are not our ways. His ways are so much higher than our ways. He is so much wiser than we are. Here we read the account of the Apostle Paul telling us of how he was given “a thorn in the flesh” to “buffet” him. He pleaded with the Lord 3 times to take this “thorn in the flesh” away from him but the only answer he received was “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. He did not receive the specific answer and result he desired, but he received this rhema word from the Lord. The Lord reminded him that his grace was available to him and sufficient to carry him through. The Lord made him to understand in his times of weakness, the Lord had a greater opportunity to display His strength, power and might. Once Paul received this response, he relaxed and began to view and respond to his challenges differently. By this reaction, he gave room for the Lord to move powerfully where he Paul, had no power to do anything.
Dear sisters, sometimes we call or cry out to the Lord about a particular challenge or issue for what is seemingly a long time and there seems not to be the desired answered to our prayers. We should not become disheartened, we shouldn’t lose hope, nor give up on God, nor draw back, nor grow weary, nor lose faith, nor try and work things out in our own strength. God is in total and absolute control. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. Instead let us seek the Lord for His rhema word for our particular situation. Once we receive His Word, and embrace it, we receive strength and joy to continue the journey. We can begin to see our situations differently, as opportunities for God’s glory to me made manifest. We can begin to relax and enjoy our walk with the Lord, while opening the door for the Lord to come and do what He only can do so brilliantly. This week remember, He loves you and I whatever comes our way.