To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me 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." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. —2 Corinthians 12:7-9
God often sends a thorn in the flesh to those to whom He gives abundant revelation, in order to protect their hearts from destructive pride. The apostle Paul said that he had been given a "thorn in the flesh" in order that he would not exalt himself. This was due to the fact that his ministry was surrounded by "surpassingly great revelations" (2 Cor. 12:7). For some, the beauty of God's work in them is never put on a public stage and is seldom noticed, except by a few. In such cases, those peoples' lives are perfected for God's pleasure and the impact on individuals around them. Sometimes the Holy Spirit works inwardly for almost a lifetime before that person is given the full platform to release the message. Still others are called to be proclaimers of the message. Some have been given an early platform and are allowed to preach beyond the maturing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, reveal my life message to me. Show me the work You want me to do. Make me a vessel fit for Your service—whatever that service may be.
God has purposed to work a life
message through each of us.
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