Monday, September 10, 2012

Dealing with Your Thorn in the Flesh

"One Year Bible" New Testament Passage (for Tues., Sept. 11)
II Corinthians 12:1-10

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. II Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)

The Word of God attracts opposition. As surely as you receive sure direction from God, you can also expect resistance and difficulty to arise as you move toward fulfilment. 

We should expect this and not be shocked when Satan seeks to turn us back. Not only is this a part of spiritual warfare, it really is PART OF GOD'S PLAN! God allows every word to be tested. The greater the word, the greater the test. 

Strength is built by OVERCOMING OPPOSITION. God does not allow the "thorn in the flesh" in order to hurt you or turn you back. It drives you into greater dependence on Him, and that makes you stronger.  God is glorified in your faith and fortitude as you stand against those things that oppose His word. 

There are high places of intimacy, high places of insight, high places of revelation. God desires to speak to each of us. This is wonderful territory. But, remember this also: testing and conflict will always accompany the word of God. 

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