Today we are reading 2 Corinthians 12. The keyword for this chapter is “sko-lops”. The definition is “stake, a stake used for impaling or torturing someone, a sharpened wooden staff, thorn or splinter.” “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 Paul was a man gifted by God as a great missionary. God knows that with gifting comes a powerful temptation to be prideful. In order to reign Paul in, God gave him a “thorn” which served to keep Paul humble and also pliable for God’s purpose and use. How do you avoid the sin of pride? Has God assisted you by humbling you through circumstances? How does this humility make you more likely to listen to God? May God guide you according to His purpose for your life! Pastor Tim