Scripture clearly tells us thru Paul’s own words that he had been afflicted with a “thorn in the flesh”. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) What this was is not stated, however, it was something that bothered him enough to plead for God to remove it 3x (2 Cor. 12:8). “Paul also says that the affliction came from or by a “messenger of Satan.” Just as God allowed Satan to torment Job (Job 1:1-12), God allowed Satan to torment Paul for God’s own good purpose.” (1) Was it an illness, a literal thorn, a serious injury that hampered his physical abilities, some sort of spiritual problem or a temptation? Speculation abounds, but the reality is we shall never know for sure. Suffice it to say it was a bother to the great Apostle, something he had to learn to live with.
When we pray for healing and don’t receive it isn’t it possible that we may be expected to live with it until our healing comes, understanding that death may be that which brings us relief. I hate to put it that way, for it even sounds to me like a defeatist attitude, but that may just be the reality of it. There is no doubt we will be completely well in glory land for the Bible tells us we shall suffer no pain or sorrow in heaven. (Revelation 21:4) You see, God sees what we are unable to see. He sees how our attitude toward an unanswered prayer can speak volumes to someone outside God’s family. Are we to carry with us a case of the mulligrubs, complaining about our affliction until even WE grow tired of hearing us complain? Or knowing God is merciful and compassionate, are we to seek the lesson to be learned and pray for patience and fortitude to carry on in spite of the issue at hand.
Paul stated his problem, yet I don’t see anywhere in scripture where he constantly complained about his “thorn”. Now don’t get me wrong, complaining is a natural human response for mortals who do not like the situation they are in, and I believe it is only our Lord who can lift us out of the mulligrubs. There are times when we are in considerable and constant pain, and we wonder where on earth the answer to our request for healing is. It is on the way yet may not be for some time. It’s a matter of trust. We know God heals and we know He does not show favorites. What He has done in the past He still does today, yet our impatience can be our undoing.
Physically healing can be a frustrating deal. We may know someone who has been healed. My ex-mother-in-law received a brand-new heart, as evidenced but those exact words coming from the surgeon who was planning to perform triple by-pass surgery on her that very morning. Even he stated it was a miracle. So where is my miracle … where is yours? I’m afraid I do not have the answer to that question. But I go with what I know. That God is good, and God is fair, and God is just and God does heal in His time, in His way, for reasons known to Him alone. We can rest in that knowledge or not, it’s our choice. But God DOES still heal today. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: www.gotquestions.org, www.crossway.org
No comments:
Post a Comment