"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong"-2 Corinthians 12:10.
The apostle Paul is referring to the 'thorn in the flesh', which he says keeps him from being exalted above measure because of the 'abundance of the revelations' which he had received from the Lord.
He acknowledges in verse 7 that the reason was 'lest I should be exalted beyond measure'.
Interesting, isn't it, that a man so humble as Paul realizes that his 'thorn' was to keep him from being exalted.
Now, that is true humility for the apostle to admit that otherwise he was as prone to self exaltation as anyone else.
It isn't that he tries to be humble, or that he pretends to be, it's simply the fact that God has humbled him by allowing the 'thorn in the flesh' into his life- whatever it may have been- and Paul acknowledges that it comes from the Lord.
God help us to realize that all of the characteristics that He desires to work in us are accomplished by His forcing us, as it were, to see that He is the Author of it all.
That sister in the Lord that you admire isn't humble or grateful or loving because she's a fine gal, it's because God has worked in her, chiseled at her rough edges (and we all have 'em!), and has caused her to see that anything of real and lasting value must come from God only.
When that begins to take place in a Christian's life, other believers will see it quickly, for genuine Holy Ghost change cannot be faked.
It takes just a bit of God given discernment to know of a certainty that you're in the presence of a believer who has undergone the loving discipline of the Lord.
Paul had gotten his answer from God in response to his asking for the thorn's removal in verse 9- "And He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness'".
Now, how does Paul respond?
"Most gladly therefore will I rather GLORY in my infirmities, that the power of Christ MAY REST UPON ME".
Believer, you MUST ponder this at length.
Do you glory in your infirmities?
Do you even realize that you have them?
Paul did.
They were not comfortable and they were not fun, but he saw their purpose, and it was well worth any pain or humiliation or inconvenience that he may have suffered, or would suffer....
Why? "that the power of Christ may rest upon me"!
Can you feel it?
Does it burn within you?
Do you literally exist for it?
God have mercy on us, it that your passion?
I pray that the Lord would lead us all to that place, completely and quickly, for there is simply no other way to experience the depths of Christ as we were meant to!
Praise His Wonderful Name!
En Agape,
Pastor Jim
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