How many of us pray for something to happen, and years pass without that thing? Maybe it is a chronic condition that isn't quite debilitating but definitely bothersome. Perhaps, it's a nagging voice (you know it's not true) that goes silent for a time, and when you least expect it, you hear its taunting once again.
I will confess, there is a specific lie that likes to hang out in the shadows around my life. I know it's a lie because it is in direct opposition to the Scripture. And I usually hear its voice when I am most vulnerable.
It wasn't long ago that I told a friend, "I'm tired of going around this mountain." I hadn't heard the voice in several years. I was free! But, when it began whispering its ugly accusations in my ear, I wanted to crawl back into the same old pattern of living I'd submitted to in the past.
Isolation.
But something happened. I woke one morning and asked the Lord to "please fix me."
That morning, four things happened: God spoke to my heart through His word x2, followed by a word of exhortation on a podcast, and then a message on my desk calendar. I knew it was imperative I step out, refuse the tempter's taunts to isolate and be among God's people. And He blessed me with an amazing time at an event with church friends, filled with laughter and community.
Weeks later, the accuser revisited with the same taunting and lies. This time, I was able to not only recognize it for its lying self, but I was able to see the answer to my cry for help.
Answer this: Is the Bible true? Does God lie?
Once we answer this, we can move forward in that truth. This reminds me of the Apostle Paul, who shared in his letter to the Corinthians that there was a thorn in his flesh. He didn't say what the thorn was, only that he'd prayed 3x for the Lord to remove it.
And the Lord's response?
No.
He didn't remove it.
In fact, the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Wow. And I thought we were supposed to all get the answer we sought, because the Bible says He gives the desires of our hearts. Right? And a struggle-free life is desirable.
Well. Not exactly. While Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart," it was James who said, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4 ESV).
So I would guess it is to our benefit to find out what Paul's thorn was all about.
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. 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 (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV).
To keep him from being conceited--prideful. God allowed Satan's involvement to the degree that it kept Paul humble. God protected Paul from Paul.
Considering this, it is in our best interest to give thanks in all things as Paul exhorted the church in Thessalonica, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV). And also to remember the Prophet Jeremiah's words, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV).
I have heard Jeremiah 29:11 often used when God's promises were declared for greater blessing.
And this may be so.
But what if it was to comfort a people who felt the weight of their trouble?
This was the case as it came on the heels of the Israelites being taken captive to Babylon. Verse 10 says, "For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to. you My promise and bring you back to this place."
He was giving them hope that their punishment wouldn't be forever.
There would be an end, and
they would return to their home in Israel.
A thorn in the flesh doesn't have to be an evil invasion, even if it is sent by Satan. (It was a trial by fire for Job, which ended in great restoration.)
Give thanks in it. Give thanks to God that He is far stronger than any devil ever will be. He has already defeated our enemy. We are sealed as His children when we place our faith in Him (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). There is nothing that can rip us from God's protective hand (Romans 8:39).
Rejoice, my friend. The thorn is temporary. For me, it's keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus. It keeps me grounded in His Word, His Truth, and trusting Him alone. Looking anywhere else, anxiety shakes its slimy fist, threatening to choke the life from my lungs. So I choose to look up, look out, and stay focused.
Until next time, walk in His light and life. 💜 Karlene J 💜
Coming soon: Letters to the Church: Galatians
