For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling you the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:6-10 HCSB
No one really knows what Paul was referring to when he used the term, “thorn in my flesh”. Some scholars believe that it may have been related to his eyesight, but truthfully we can only speculate because the Bible does not say. But let’s face it, we all have thorns in our flesh. We all have adversity in our lives. We can allow that adversity to dominate our lives or we can overcome it. Now, you may look at your mountain of a problem and wonder how you could possibly overcome such a monstrosity? Well, I’m glad you asked. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about problems.
Our scripture passage tells us that God gives us adversity in our lives for two reasons. One reason is to stamp out any pride in our lives. The Bible tells us that God hates pride (Proverbs 8:13). We are told in Proverbs 16:18 that pride goes before destruction. We are told in Proverbs 16:5 that pride is an abomination to the Lord. Sadly, when our lives are free from trouble we tend to get prideful. We tend to think that we do all this on our own and we tend to neglect our relationship with the Lord. I know, I’ve been there many times. When we live this way, our life is like a roller coaster we rise high only to experience a big drop.
When we face adversity or troubles, we are more apt to turn to the Lord. Most turn to God because we are facing some type of trouble that is just too big for us to handle on our own. This humbles us and we seek God wholeheartedly because we need His help.
For years this is how I lived my life. I always loved the Lord, but I was sorely missing on the whole trust and obey thing. So, I would put Him first in times of trouble and He would make my crooked way straight. Then I would start to do my own thing again and He would have to bring me down a notch or two. It took many years, but that finally got old for me. I didn’t want to live on the roller coaster any more. I wanted to just live a steady life. No more ups and downs. I begged God to help me and I gave it all over to Him. I put Him first. I serve Him. I try my best to do what He calls me to do. I also do my best to put others above myself.
Ten years ago scripture saying, “I take pleasure in weaknesses, catastrophes, insults, persecutions and pressures” sounded like crazy talk to me. But now I get it. I can be peaceful and steady because of God’s love for me. I trust Him. I know that He is faithful. I also know that when I am obedient, He walks me through the valleys and over the mountains. When I humble myself and submit to Him, He strengthens me with His power. How awesome is that?
Facing adversity helps us to learn what it truly takes to overcome adversity. It removes pride, it humbles us and brings us to a point of submission to Christ. When you face adversity know that God has put this in your life for a reason. We overcome adversity by trusting in Him and relying on His strength and His power.
The roller coaster ride seemed fun for a bit, but when it doesn’t stop, it can leave you sick and tired. Sin does the same. Turn to God, trust in Him, obey Him and give any adversity you face over to Him. Humble yourself, empty yourself of you and submit to Him. You too will then take pleasure when trouble comes your way knowing that God’s got this. You will know that His power is perfected in your weakness and His grace is sufficient for you no matter what you may be facing.
Have a great day!