So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.
Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’
So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NLT)
I’ve been thinking a lot about these verses recently. (I’m not ready to share the details of why, but maybe someday.) What I’ve been considering, though, is the dichotomy between the desire for healing from emotional, mental, or physical difficulties and the concept displayed in these verses about those difficulties being the very things God uses to show himself in and through our lives.
Do we pray for healing for those things which ultimately draw us closer to the heart of our father God? Doesn’t God want us to have victory? Do we follow Paul’s example–pray for relief and healing but if God chooses otherwise learn to live within the struggle knowing he is using it for greater purposes?
More questions than answers. I would love to hear any insights you might have on these questions!
Leave a Reply