Beautiful Word Devotional #109

In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

2 Corinthians 12:7

On the road to Damascus, the apostle Paul was blessed with a vision of Jesus, and he committed himself to Jesus. Subsequently, Paul was blessed with a powerful and effective ministry as preacher, teacher, apologist, New Testament writer, church planter, and church leader. So, Paul said, God allowed a messenger of Satan—a “thorn in [his] flesh”—to keep him humble. Three times Paul asked God to remove the thorn, and God said no.

God then explained to Paul that his grace would enable him to cope. He introduced to Paul the kingdom paradox that when we are weakest, we are strongest.

That’s because when we are weak, we turn to God, and he gives us his power.

Are you tormented by a thorn right now? Have you asked God to remove it only to hear no? Then look to him for the grace of his strength: when you are weak, God will provide you with his strength that is far stronger than your own.

Lord, thank you that in my weakness I experience your strength, amen.