Wednesday Devotional - 6/3/15
Jun 3, 2015 06:05:26 #
PAIN BUILDS ENDURANCE
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,
a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me,
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Note two things - the thorn was from Satan, but Paul's growth through the pain made him humble and he learned to lean on the Lord.
So often we feel very self-sufficient, with the attitude, "I can do it myself." Times like that are when the Lord allows Satan to bring us down a peg or two. If we are alert, we quickly acknowledge that bad things come from the devil, good from the Lord. Rather than blame God, it's time to become more humble, and turn to Him for help.
During times of pain, we become more pliable, and the Lord is able to mold us into a stronger, yet more durable follower of His. We are not as 'thin skinned,' and we begin to show more patience, dependability, and stability. We learn to trust His voice, little nudges in the right direction - we listen. In time, we look back with appreciation and realize how patient He was in trying to teach us. Thank You, dear Lord, for loving me and teaching me to be Your child.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,
a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me,
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Note two things - the thorn was from Satan, but Paul's growth through the pain made him humble and he learned to lean on the Lord.
So often we feel very self-sufficient, with the attitude, "I can do it myself." Times like that are when the Lord allows Satan to bring us down a peg or two. If we are alert, we quickly acknowledge that bad things come from the devil, good from the Lord. Rather than blame God, it's time to become more humble, and turn to Him for help.
During times of pain, we become more pliable, and the Lord is able to mold us into a stronger, yet more durable follower of His. We are not as 'thin skinned,' and we begin to show more patience, dependability, and stability. We learn to trust His voice, little nudges in the right direction - we listen. In time, we look back with appreciation and realize how patient He was in trying to teach us. Thank You, dear Lord, for loving me and teaching me to be Your child.
Jun 3, 2015 08:44:07 #
BearK wrote:
b PAIN BUILDS ENDURANCE br br br 2 Corinthians ... (show quote)
Amen! My Dad often told me when I was growing up is What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Jun 3, 2015 12:17:15 #
Workinman wrote:
Amen! My Dad often told me when I was growing up is What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Next week, I will do a follow up regarding responsibility.
Jun 3, 2015 21:39:13 #
Jun 3, 2015 23:32:42 #
BearK wrote:
b PAIN BUILDS ENDURANCE br br br 2 Corinthians ... (show quote)
Odd. "All things are possible in Christ who strengthens me." (Phil4:13) But not this thorn in the flesh? Why?
As straight and narrow as the path of God may be, it has it bumps and detours. We cannot judge. The one we see as "milk-fed" in their understanding may surpass Paul in all his teaching. Shut up and love, that is what Christ commanded.
Jun 4, 2015 06:56:54 #
fiatlux wrote:
Odd. "All things are possible in Christ who strengthens me." (Phil4:13) But not this thorn in the flesh? Why?
As straight and narrow as the path of God may be, it has it bumps and detours. We cannot judge. The one we see as "milk-fed" in their understanding may surpass Paul in all his teaching. Shut up and love, that is what Christ commanded.
As straight and narrow as the path of God may be, it has it bumps and detours. We cannot judge. The one we see as "milk-fed" in their understanding may surpass Paul in all his teaching. Shut up and love, that is what Christ commanded.
Because Adam and Eve gave the 'lease' to the world to Satan, and he controls things. God only steps in when HE is invited.
Christ said, "turn the other cheek," Only a fool throws "pearls to pigs," they wouldn't understand the wisdom. You love the sinner, not the sin, that doesn't mean you let them walk all over you.
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