A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton
God Speaks:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV)
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Listen to God Speak & Obey:
When trouble, trials, difficulties, and disappointments come in our life, we should cry out to God. However, we should not lose hope when God does not give us everything we ask.
We should allow what happened in Paul’s life to inform our lives when we pray for deliverance from our thorn in the flesh. Could it be that what we are going through is for God’s glory, and for our good?
2 Corinthians 11:27-28 (NLT)
27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.
There is something about thorns in the flesh that bends us toward humility. Additionally, the recognition of the weaknesses in our humanity turns us toward bowing the knee, looking up, and recognizing the greatness of God.
The recognition of the sovereignty and greatness of God and the goodness and grace of God gives us peace and contentment in knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs.
Prayer:
Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, it is such a blessing to know that our weaknesses, even when they are painful, are working to bring about a higher goal and that Your amazing grace is sufficient for all of our needs.
Psalm 46:1 (HCSB)
1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.
Father, we love You, and can’t get enough of You. Father, thank You for always being present, and on time. Father, I am so glad that the things that matter are things that are eternal. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
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