Last week, I had started writing some spiritual goals for myself based on 1 Cor. 13:4-8 and shared five of these goals in this post. The day after that post, I had a meltdown of sorts...basically I unraveled into a puddle of depression...you can read that lovely (nearly incoherent) post here.
All week I have wondered how to write a post with the rest of my goals and I even considered just axing the idea. But today during our worship service these words written in 2 Corinthians penetrated my heart and permitted hope to permeate my weary soul and provide refreshment.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - NIV (emphasis mine)
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I am not comparing myself to the apostle Paul except to say that I too have an issue, a thorn in my flesh. In fact, I have several issues that I have begged God to take from me. And while I have great faith that He will one day restore me, I do not think I will see that day come here on this earth. But at the same time, I'm not left in despair.
To continue with Paul's vernacular, the three thorns that stick deep inside my tissue and rub against bone are fear, pride, and selfishness. And, as you know, those three aliments can cause infection and breed a series of diseases to eat away ones spirit. Yet that is the beauty of the verse above.
Left to my own vices I would remain a miserable creature. Continuously, I fail, but His love is infallible. As I cling to the hem of Jesus' robe, sobbing and unable to stand, He helps me to my feet. He wipes my tears, casts away the thoughts that frighten me, steadies my balance, and feeds me truth. It is then and only then when I am strong.
(Part 3 is coming)
10 comments:
You "incoherent post" was completely coherent to me. LOL!
(hugs)
Be blessed.
I did not think your sad day post was incoherent either.
Your post today, where you mentioned "issues" reminded me of a song I posted on Saturday for Sings My Soul Saturday. It is by Nicole Mullen and speaks about issues, based on the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible. It is called One Touch and it is powerful, especially with the video.One of her songs helped me in a dark time of my life. I hope this one encourages you. Tiffany
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtPZuNab9UY
You are right, we may never see those thorns removed while we are here on this earth, too bad because I have some of the same ones!
But...I trust God to lead me and help me to lean on Him while He is working on my character through those thorns. I know you are doing the same.
All of your posts are great ~ no incoherent! They are honest and refreshing. To know others struggle with the same 'stuff' and still trust God is encouraging.
Bless you,
Cindy
'To continue with Paul's vernacular, the three thorns that stick deep inside my tissue and rub against bone are fear, pride, and selfishness. '
We.were.separated.at.birth.
But, thank God for grace and Mulligans. xxxooogretchen
Dear Sister. That was such a wonderful read. JUST what my heart needed this morning. The tears sting my eyes even now...but I know He is speaking to my heart about some issues I am currently dealing with.
He is the HEALER. Of all.
What a blessing this was!
It is so comforting to know that his power is made perfect in our weakness...and freeing!
Just wanted to let you know that I have been stopping in, and enjoying your posts. Thanks for sharing your notes on the journey.
Darlene
Blessings to you for a better week :)
Jennifer
Oh, how thankful I am to read in His Word that He already knows I am weak. As if I could keep up any appearances of strength.
Today, I was a puddle of yuck on the floor...confessing to Him that I just can't do this. Asking Him how do I let go and just rest in Him. And then He brings His promises to mind, and picks us back up, and wraps us once again in His love and faithfulness. I so much want to quit falling...but that just isn't going to stop completely this side of heaven.
Thanks for your vulnerability. You are a blessing.
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