“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. 2 Corinthians 12:7.

“God has a way that is mighty sweet.” A phrase my mother used on many occasions. Sweet, did not mean it was always something that felt physically good to us; however, it works out for our good overall. God has a way to keep us humble; servants of God that are profitable witnesses, continually growing in His grace and shining for His glory.

The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians gives an account of a thorn in the flesh that he contended with; he said it was given to prevent him from being exalted… or in other words from thinking more of himself and allowing pride to get in the way of his preaching and calling of God. Paul’s thorn was not identified, but the idea of a thorn is a sharp, impelling object that sends excruciating pain.

Why would God allow Paul or any of His servants to endure this type of pain; God’s love and purposes for our lives exceeded the comfort of our circumstances, and as Paul testifies, God’s grace is sufficient, in our weakest state; His amazing grace, sustaining power and strength is perfected or manifested in and through us.

Note also that the pain that Paul experienced was brought on by Satan “the messenger of Satan to buffet me,” we must never forget that we are in a spiritual warfare, and the enemy of our souls will attack consistently, especially when we are at our weakest; but what he means for evil, to destroy us is turned around and used for our good by God… painful circumstances ultimately, send us to our knees in prayer, humbling and bringing us right to God!

My friends, know that there is purpose in our pain, God is molding and making us into the image of His dear Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can rest in the fact that He knows best. The life of Job is also another great witness for us “And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Job 1:8. And through it all, Job exclaimed “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15.

God is orchestrating the circumstances in our lives; He knows how to keep us humble, give us strength and develop us into effective witnesses that shine for His glory. The safest place to be is in His will. So, let us stay steadfast in prayer, remain encouraged and remember that we are exactly where God wants us to be. “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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

God blessings and amazing grace to all.