“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.”
II Corinthians 12:8
Trying times call for tenacious trust.
“Please, Lord. Please take away this thorn.”
That’s the way Paul prayed as he grappled with his “thorn in the flesh” (v.7b). We don’t know what the “thorn” was, but he likened it to “a messenger of satan given to him to buffet him” (v.7c). The real meaning of the word “buffet” (Grk. “kolaphizo”) means “to rap repeatedly with the fists, chastise, inflict injury upon, etc.” It’s the picture of a prize fighter viciously beating his opponent and continuing to do so even after the bell has sounded.
Do you ever feel that way, dear Pilgrim?
Have you a “thorn” in your life right now that’s so oppressive that it makes you wince in pain even as you think of it? Maybe it’s a physical ailment for which there seems to be no cure. Maybe it’s someone whose mental, emotional and/or physical abuse has worn you down and made you wish you (or he/she) was dead.
And, you’ve prayed and prayed and prayed that your “thorn would depart from you.”
But, it hasn’t.
Even after multiple months or years of praying.
It’s still there. Pricking/piercing you. As strong and oppressive as ever.
And in the process you’ve about given up hope of it ever changing. In fact, you’ve been grappling more with your doubts and bouts of despair than you have your thorn.
“God, why won’t you take it away? Why won’t you change it/him/her? Can’t you see that I need some relief? What have I done to deserve this? You know I love you and only desire to serve you with all of my heart.”
But, nothing happens. Nothing changes. There’s only silence. And, your continued anguish of mind and agony of soul.
Yet, into your suffering there comes a quiet Voice and stirring in your heart. A “whisper,” if you will: “My Grace is sufficient for you, My child. I’ve heard your cry and know your desperate desire for the thorn to be removed. But, I’m using the thorn, My weary one, to do a good work in you and to move you to a new level of trust. Continue resting in Me and you’ll begin to understand and even be able to give Me thanks and praise in the midst of it all.
“Yes, My Grace is sufficient for you. Just trust Me. And, rest in Me.”
Always remember, dear Pilgrim, God always answers prayers.
Sometimes the answer’s “Yes.” Sometimes it’s “Not now.” Other times it’s “No.”
But, in all of them His Assurance is the same: “My Grace is sufficient for you. Your thorn is your ‘sentence of death’ that reminds you to trust in Me, not yourself (II Cor. 1:8-9). And, when you’re so weak that you can’t go on, just remember that My Strength is made complete in your weakness.” Glory!!
So, press on, Pilgrim. The Lord is near. And “His Grace is sufficient for you.”
October 29, 2011
