Am I Up to the Job?

Sometimes when we pray, God’s answer isn’t quite what we hoped for. This seems to be the case for the apostle Paul who had been praying about a personal issue which he describes in 2 Corinthians, chapter 12 and verse 7 as a ‘thorn in his flesh’. Paul had been instrumental in many miraculous healings, and he knew very well that God was able to bring healing to his physical problem, but it seems God’s answer on this occasion was something quite different. God says ‘no’. Paul’s pleading for his release and healing from this ‘thorn in the flesh’ had been heard by Father God but the request had been declined. However, God reassures Paul that it is for his benefit and for a greater Kingdom outcome. It seems that Paul comes to a place of acknowledging that this thorn’ is essential for keeping him humble so he won’t become boastful about his amazing experiences with God in the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).

We don’t absolutely know what Paul’s ‘thorn’ was, but it seems to be something to do with his eyes as he refers to struggling with his vision in his letter to the Galatians (4:15, 6:11). But one thing is clear, although Paul had to continue to contend with whatever his physical issue was, God was using this circumstance for His glory in Paul’s life and also for the extension of His Kingdom. Paul was not disqualified because he had a healing need, his physical weakness didn’t stop God using him, in fact it made it more possible for God to use him as it kept Paul humble.

So, what about us? Do we feel that we are disqualified from doing God’s work, and bringing Him glory, because we still have healing needs? Clearly this isn’t true, we may be limping physically or emotionally, but God will use us, His children, to further His Kingdom if we are willing to serve Him.

Or maybe you feel you have been wonderfully healed, that you are now whole and ready for God to use you in some special and glorious way. Beware! However wonderful your experiences with God, His revelations to you of His greatness, wisdom or power, or His blessings to you personally, they could all cause you to feel an inner pride about your own specialness. It is this that could hamper you more certainly than any recognised weaknesses.

When we accept that we are still human and weak, even if we have received wonderful restoration, it keeps us humble. Humility keeps us continually leaning on God’s strength and power, and this gives Him room in our lives to do whatever He wants, in and through us, for his Kingdom’s glory.