“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.” 2 Corinthians 12:7
It can be challenging at times to remember that God has a plan for our pain especially when our pain remains unchanged. However, maintaining an eternal viewpoint does result in contentment in every situation. Wherever life leads us, a heart centered on Jesus will provide unfathomable thankfulness, joy, and serenity.
We read in the Bible about men and women who, in the face of excruciating agony, were able to direct their hearts and eyes toward heaven. By deciding to recognize God's work in their pain, I believe they were able to change their focus from the temporary to the everlasting. God is not required to provide responses to all of our queries. However, if we sincerely seek Him, He will frequently make clear a more significant reason for our sorrow.
It doesn’t take much reading through the New Testament to recognize God's extraordinary favor and blessing on the Apostle Paul. Some of the most amazing insights about Jesus Christ that have ever been communicated or will ever be noted can be found in Paul's writings. God allowed and chose not to remove a bothersome “thorn” in Paul’s life because He knew it would be easy for Paul to become haughty and proud in his mission. Paul stated that he had prayed to God three times to have his suffering end. God, however, had other plans and left it there.
Another person who learned about God’s work through hardship was King Hezekiah. He got really sick in Isaiah 38. In this instance, God granted Hezekiah’s request for healing and granted him an additional 15 years of life. Hezekiah said that his suffering was for his benefit and that, as a result of his suffering, he would live humbly for the rest of his days.
God held these two individuals in high regard. Furthermore, it appears that their suffering is related to their calling. Scripture teaches that God exalts the humble, and pride comes before destruction. Their respective tragedies made them more humble and dependent on God. God is ministering to you through your pain when He offers you momentary suffering in exchange for everlasting glory. However, you must decide to recognize His grander purpose.
Prayer: Father, thank You for working in me throughout all of time. Even though things may not seem to make sense right now, I can have faith in Your plan since it is bigger than anything my mind can imagine. Please remind me of this while I'm struggling. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
