Paul
was a pragmatist. He knew that he was susceptible to self-elation and pride about
his supernatural experiences. He knew that he could become self-conceited and
act disproportionately. So God had allowed Satan to put “a thorn in the flesh” so
that his life could be regulated. This thorn in the flesh was there to check
him and keep him from being conceited. He described this thorn in the flesh as
a messenger from Satan.
What
exactly was this thorn in the flesh? Was it a person or a physical condition that
he was suffering from? It could mean anything ranging from a physical sickness,
to the burden and anxiety he had concerning the church, or to his personal weakness,
and even to a difficult person. Paul was silent about this. Any attempt to explain
what this thorn in the flesh was, would be indulging in speculation. This we
shall avoid. Suffice to say that the source was Satan and God had allowed it to
happen to Paul.
Both
God and Satan had different objectives for Paul. God’s aim was to build him up
but Satan’s aim was to destroy him. As He dealt with Paul, God would also deal
with us, to ensure our spiritual advancement. The apostle had earlier maintained
that God is faithful and would not allow us to be tested beyond our ability to
endure. With that kind of mindset, Paul didn’t doubt his self-worth. And he
also didn’t blame God for his troubles, neither did he vilify his circumstances.
In fact, the thorn in the flesh drove him nearer to God. He sought God on three
occasions for that thorn to be removed. God assured him that the answer to a
powerful and victorious life does not lie in having the thorn removed, but in the
grace that the Lord Himself would provide. This assurance does not apply to
Paul alone but to all who trust Him and His resurrected power, to overcome the
weaknesses of life.
So
Paul concluded that he would not boast about his revelation but would rather acknowledge
his personal inadequacies, so that through them he could experience the power
of Christ. Hence, Paul was determined not to be troubled by his human frailties.
He would accept weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions and difficulties
for the sake of Christ. For when he acknowledged these frailties then he would
also experience the power of Christ in overcoming them.
Know
it or not, our vulnerability is a way where God could display His power and
grace. We all need to learn to see God in each moment of our lives and learn to
appraise life with the mind of Christ. In the good times, honor Him; in the tough
times, trust Him; but at all times, praise Him!
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