A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers   

2 Corinthians 12:7-9, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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.” Antigonius was a great Greek warrior. He had an ailment so painful, though, that he fought in order to forget it. He really did not care if he were killed in battle. His general was so impressed with his courage that he had him cured. Afterward, however, he would no longer fight. The very impetus for Antigonius’ courage was his pain. For him, the absence of pain equated to the absence of courage and drive. Notice our Scripture lesson today. In similar straits the Apostle Paul notes how that a “thorn in the flesh” compels him to earnest intercession before the Lord to have the “thorn” removed. Sacred Scripture is not clear on what the “thorn” was, but throughout his writings in the New Testament it is clear that Paul had some sort of physical infirmity. What the condition was is not as important as what it compelled Paul to do. Like Antigonius it provoked Paul. He became more dependent upon God’s grace and strength. The “thorn” drove Paul closer to the Lord in his prayers—and whatever drives us closer to the Lord, ultimately produces strength in us. God reminded Paul that although He was not going to remove the infirmity, He would provide the apostle with grace that would be sufficient. Paul was strongest when he was his most dependent upon the Lord. It took an unremoved thorn to remind him of this powerful lesson. Today, friend, like Antigonius or the Apostle Paul, allow those very challenges life has presented you, to serve as the means by which you can grow stronger and more courageous. The more you become dependent upon the Lord, the stronger you will become, with each new day.