2 Corinthians – Chapter 12

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 2 Corinthians 12:7 – While there was list of sins that was found within the Corinthian church, one that stood out was their pride. This was one of the reasons Paul was having so much trouble connecting now with the church. They saw Paul’s “humble” lifestyle and it was counter the worldly successful lifestyle they prided themselves in. They gravitated instead towards teachers who lived out the lifestyle they looked more highly on. What we’re seeing in Paul within these chapters is him reminding this church that while he isn’t wearing that time period’s form of “Gucci” suits, he has all the blessings to be filled with pride. He was an apostle called by Jesus Himself, he started more churches than anyone, and in this passage we even see him saying he went up to Heaven. He could have lived in so much pride because of such blessings, but something else the Lord blessed Paul with was this “thorn” we see spoken about to humble him. The fact that Paul was humble before them, despite having all these reasons to walk in pride, was a demonstration of the Lord’s work in his life. Paul, while desiring this thorn removed, shifted his view of it to be a means of keeping him humble and relying on the Lord. I don’t know what’s in your life that you are praying wasn’t any longer, but maybe this shift in perspective like Paul did with his thorn is what’s needed with your “thorn.” If after much prayer its clearly not going away, how then can we see it differently? While this will be different for each person and story, a large part of Paul’s thorn was to keep Paul relying on the Lord. While you may be praying this to be gone, the Lord may choose to leave your thorn to remind you to rely on Him. Trust He knows what He is doing. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3135

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 – Looks like the having of something unwanted in your life was a thing even for those very faithful followers of God in scripture. So maybe it’s not always a punishment from God to have something like that as a part of your story. For the exact reason why God has allowed this unwanted thing to stay in your story I don’t know, but in the midst of it all God wants you to trust Him and accept the fact that even with this thorn, God is more than capable to take care of you. Your weakness in your life is God’s opportunity to show you how strong He is and His chance to demonstrate His unending love for you. Try to change your perspective on this unwanted thing in your story. This is not a part of your life where God has forgotten you or is trying to mess with you. This is the part of your life where God wants to open your eyes you who He really is and how much He is for you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 – Maybe you understand all that Paul is saying here, but for me I’m still in this journey of understanding why God leaves certain things within our story. “Thorns” like sickness, lack of a relationship, lack of a job, or infertility. I’m still growing in my whole understanding of how my weakness is His setting to show His power. Yet in this journey of learning I do know what God says is true. I know God loves me and I know He loves you. Whatever your thorn may be and no matter how many times you’ve prayed it away yet it remains, know God loves you, hears you, and has your best in mind when He moves like He does in your life. Trust if the thorn remains He has a purpose for it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 730

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. 2 Corinthians 12:20-21 – Paul is announcing in his letter that his plans are to return to visit the church in Corinth in person soon. As we see in these verses, Paul voices some concerns he has. He’s concerned that when he comes he may not find the church as he hoped it would be. That there would be un-dealt with sin between members and there would be sin that still hadn’t been repented of. What would Paul find when he comes to this church was the question of the passage. How about us today? While Paul isn’t going to be knocking on our door, Jesus is coming back one day. In fact His Spirit is with us at this very moment. What is He seeing? Is He seeing un-dealt with sin between you and another believer? Is He finding sin that hasn’t been repented of? Is He finding a follower seeking to truly follow? While we want to be found ready whenever Jesus returns, let’s be found ready today for however the Spirit moves us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2072