God in his infinite wisdom, knows the depth of man's heart, and treats each one, in a personal way, according to his maturity, personality and faith.
The apostle Paul is a great example of this, as he lived incredible experiences with God, received profound revelations, never before revealed to man, was directed and cared for by God like few others and was used by God to “indoctrinate” the church.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Despite all these experiences and fellowship with God, Paul was a man like us, he was hungry, he was thirsty, he was tired, he was sad, he was disappointed and he often struggled against these needs and feelings, to overcome them, as must the attitude of any Christian.
2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which comes on me daily, the care of all the churches.
Paul was a man of extreme self-sufficiency, courageous, who when he received a mission from Jesus, went ahead, regardless of the difficulties, Paul always moved forward.
Paul's personality, plus his faith, plus the power of God in his life could generate a personal exaltation and this possibility was dealt with by God in a forceful way, giving Paul “a thorn in the flesh”.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
There is a lot of speculation in the Christian world about what this “thorn in the flesh” would be, some believe it was an incurable disease, others a physical problem and even an eye problem (vision), based on the text below:
Galatians 4:13 You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh you despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
Paul prayed to God three times for healing, but God refused to heal him, saying that his power is perfected in man's weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I sought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Therefore, in your struggles, problems or weaknesses, understand that there is always a purpose of God and the purpose of God will never be that you are harmed, before He wants you to be perfected by your power and that you become a strong person in your weakness, overcoming it, overcoming difficulties and living the glory of God, always.
2 Corinthians 12:10 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.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Pastor Val Martins
