Paul had a "thorn in the flesh," something that served as a constant irritation for him and, perhaps, affected him spiritually. No one knows what that "thorn" was. Because of this "thorn" Paul sought the Lord three times, ostensibly that the "thorn" might be removed. Jesus' answer in verse 9 declares the sufficiency of grace: "and He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Paul took Jesus at His word, but do we? Are we satisfied when Jesus answers us like this - and He does or He will. I know this firsthand. I have spent the last few months - from May to now - fighting a "thorn" called cancer. I not only had one cancer. After I was in remission from lymphoma, I was then diagnosed with colon cancer and had that removed. Of course, you know that when I was told that I might have cancer I prayed for God to heal me. I didn't hear His words as Paul did, but I have spent the last few months learning that Christ's grace is, indeed, sufficient for me. I'm not philosophizing on this, or theorizing on it, or even theologizing on it; I am telling you that it is true. I have had to go through the full throes of cancer twice, and Jesus has been with me every step of the way, and His grace has proved sufficient all the way. You might ask, "But what if you had died, or what if cancer returns and you die?" Hey, then I will know the full force of His grace called Heaven! His strength is still "made perfect in my weakness." I daresay that I have grown more spiritually since I was diagnosed in May 2011 than I would have if I had spent these months in perfect health. Don't get the idea here that I am telling you that God is about to take me up in a chariot. He has convinced me that I have a whole lot more growing to do. I just want to tell you that His grace is sufficient for you too, whatever may come. If He says "no" to healing, He is saying "yes" to spiritual growth. Believe it! Bro. Joe
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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September 2021
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