God's Sufficient Grace
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1. I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- 4. and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; 9. but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 5:10-11
10. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. 11. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
We never do learn what Paul’s “thorn” is. It’s not revealed anywhere in the bible. Perhaps Paul wanted it that way! He wants no part of sharing in the glory of Christ – except to declare the truth of His great sacrifice and the victory He won for us on the cross. Paul wants no recognition, except as a disciple of Jesus Christ. He wants no credit for enduring whatever “thorn” is in his life, because Christ endured even more.
Paul refuses to be viewed as model of Christianity. Because He wants only Jesus to be seen in that light. Paul’s work – his passion – his mission – is to spread the Good News. And the fact that God is using him, that God has revealed to him what almost no one else in the history of the world has ever seen and lived – that is all he needs to endure the thorn, the suffering, his own human frailty.
We never do learn what Paul’s vision was, either! God wanted to reveal it to him so that he would have the strength and the courage and the passion to be empowered to preach the salvation message!
Paul doesn’t hold himself up as example of greatness. He was a sinner of the highest order before his conversion. It almost seems as if he might be trying to make up for his past sins, but we know that can’t be true, because Paul fully and completely understands that he doesn’t need to keep beating himself up! Christ erased our sin! But I think Paul may feel compelled to “make up for lost time.” And he probably also understands (perhaps through his secret, sacred vision?) that his very life is at stake and he could be executed at any moment. He doesn’t want to miss out on one more chance to save a soul!
I recently underwent a “third heaven” experience. I have been bearing some burdens for a long, long time. And God took those from me! He released the demons – the “thorn” in my flesh. For a few days I thought, “Oh, thank you Lord. Now I can get on with the business of living as you would have me live. Now I can be more courageous, more profound, more energetic and driven to spread the good news of our salvation through Jesus Christ!” But guess what?! There are other thorns! They’re not as big and painful, but they are certainly in the path. They're not as deeply imbedded in my flesh, but they are certainly attached pretty firmly!
But I know that God does not intend for me to become too conceited. He wants me to continue to rely upon Him and Him alone. I can’t explain what happened on that day! While my experience can't be compared to Paul’s, I felt closer to God that day than I have ever felt. And He intends for me to stay by His side—because He is always available, always ready, willing and far beyond able to pluck each thorn out and heal the wounds. I know this is true.
"10. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. 11. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
I hope you spend your day rejoicing in the thorns in your flesh; full of gratitude and certainty that God will pluck them each away and He will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.
Mary
