“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.” II Corinthians 12:7
The Apostle Paul was given these revelations because:
1) He was God’s chosen vessel to preach to the people; and,
2) Paul CHOSE to be CHOSEN. He was willing to follow the Lord wherever He led…even though it meant he would have to endure many hardships as he learned to rely on God’s strength.
In the process, however, there were some people who would see Paul on a pedestal because of his great knowledge. They would follow him everywhere and extol his many virtues. Paul was as human as you are. Do you not enjoy the adulation of a crowd at times? Do you not enjoy the works of your hands being praised or the writings from your mind being published? Paul realized that he would become conceited and not stay mindful of the fact his wisdom came directly from God, so he accepted the fact God allowed a “messenger of Satan” to harass him during his life. It is obvious that through Paul’s “weakness” God’s strength was perfected.
As an able minister today, ordained and commissioned by God to do similar works, you too will suffer because of Satan’s messengers…mocking, divisive, critical, argumentative people!
PRAY: “Father, I take courage from Paul’s account of weakness. Your grace was sufficient for him, and it will be for me now. Let Your will be done in my life today. Amen.”
Purpose for Life 