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TODAY’S WORD…

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In order to keep me from becoming conceited,

I was given a thorn in my flesh,

a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

About this thing, I have pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me,

but He has said,

‘My grace is enough for you:

my power is at its best in weakness.’

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– 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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This “thorn” refers to that flaw, that problem, that weakness

which God permits – though not approves of –

so as to ensure that our spiritual gifts do not make us proud

since that would stop God’s grace from flowing through us.

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Which, or what, or who is your “thorn”?

If you do not think you have one,

please think again

and look very closely at yourself,

because it is only the Saints in heaven who do not.

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If you are a practicing Christian

and yet you struggle to identify your “thorn”,

then perhaps you should check your pride

– it could be your “thorn”!

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When you are aware of your “thorn”,

entrust it humbly and faithfully to God

and His grace will be enough

to enable you to cope with the difficulty and pain.

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God strengthens the resolve of those who love and trust in Him,

and gives them the strength to battle the traps and taunts of the evil one,

who never stops seeking to put obstacles in our way

so as to frustrate our spiritual progress

and capture our soul.

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If we let God take over when we are weak,

He will not necessarily remove our weakness,

but He will make us strong

to the extent that obstacles become our salvation.

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The faithful Christian,

who believes in God’s unconditional love

and in God’s grace,

will come out humbler and stronger from such situations,

and more determined than ever

to seek to do God’s will

and to build His Kingdom!

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, help me, forgive me, strengthen me, use me.

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