Look At The Bright Side

God shows up in a supernatural way when we are working through adverse circumstances. Paul shows us how this truth applies to him personally from today’s daily reading, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.

It is so easy for us to engage in the tasks that are most easy and comfortable for us, but Paul clearly said in this passage that the trials of his life ultimately gave him the most pleasure.

“That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message…“

2 Corinthians 12:5-6 NLT

Paul chose to exclusively boast in his weaknesses, as he did not want to receive credit for his strengths. And that’s not the end of how God would accomplish this desire of Paul’s.

“…even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.”

2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

Paul was given a thorn in his flesh so that he would be protected from pride. Even so, Paul begged God to remove the thorn three times (verse 8), but after each request, God told him, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness (verse 9).” So Paul says in the closing verse of that passage that he will actually take pleasure in his afflictions, as strength rises from weakness.

Life is filled with challenges and trials. Whether it’s a health issue, a loss, a temptation, or an emotional wound from the past, we can take joy that God’s grace will allow it to be used for the good of ourselves and His Kingdom.

What “thorn” are you experiencing in your life? How is it making you more dependent on God in this season? Pray through what that looks like for you, and give thanks to God for the amazing work He’s doing through your situation.