So, as I head into my fourth year of writing, my prayer is to continue to share honestly, openly, and with what God is teaching me, in hopes that it will resonate with you.
Today, that landed me in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. (NKJV)
“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 [a]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times 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.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This was written by Paul. Paul was a very able bodied person, so the fact he mentions the thorn shows how hard it was for him. His thorn, like ours, most likely kept him from being able to work all the time.
We don’t know what his thorn was, but we can relate. As survivors we have a thorn in our flesh on a daily basis too. Our past lingers there, leaving us unable to work at times, bringing nightmares, body sensations that bring shame and guilt, and all kinds of feelings we don’t always know how to navigate.
Our thorn is not little either. However, just as God used it in Paul’s life, He can use it in ours. Just because we believe in God does not mean we are guaranteed instant healing in this life. Your thorn, though similar, is different than mine, and mine different from the next person. This is how God can use our thorn to minister to others. God can use it to help us receive His grace, strength, humility, and just as Paul, we can empathize with others in similar circumstances. Hopefully, they will also see God shining through us bringing that grace, strength, and humility.
I still pray for that instant healing, especially on the incredibly hard days, but now I am more aware of how God is using it in my life. I start to be content to do the work in recovery to get better. Trusting that God will use it all in this life or in the next when I meet Him face to face.
Join me in prayer today as we ask God to guide and direct the next steps to healing.
Father God,
I need your strength today to make it through. I feel weak so often that it’s hard to explain to others how I don’t always have the will to “do” anything. Infuse me with Your love, strength and power so I can continue on and show others what You are doing for me.
I do wish to be healed right away, but help me continue to be content as You heal me little by little each step of this journey. Please use my life for You to be glorified and that my pain can bring others to You and Your loving arms.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
© 2020 Susan M. Clabaugh
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