MARCH 18: STAYING STRONG AND FAITHFUL IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES

Apostle Paul’s life was marked by many challenges, trials and hardships. One of such experiences is recorded in our devotional text for today, where he writes about a “Thorn in the flesh,” that was given to him to restrain him from becoming arrogant due to the wealth of revelations he received.

Paul had been privileged to receive extraordinary revelations and encounters with God, including being caught up to the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:1-4). However, in order to prevent him from becoming prideful, God allowed a “thorn in the flesh” to afflict him. Although the nature of this thorn is not specified, but it was so discomforting to him.

Paul stated in verse 8 that he had prayed to God three times for the removal of this thorn, but God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (V.9). Every man has a cross to bear in Christ. There are many great men and women of God through whom God wrought great miracles and wonders just as He did with apostle Paul, yet they were and/or are afflicted with one challenge or the other. Some were childless, others down with an incurable sickness, and so on. However, in the midst of those challenges, they remained strong and faithful in pursuing and accomplishing God’s purpose for their lives.

Paul’s response to that situation is remarkable: he chose to boast in his weaknesses, so that Christ’s power could rest on him. Beloved, aligning with God and doing His will even in the midst of challenges draw the grace and power of God upon an individual for an incredible glorious life on earth. Do not be shaken for His grace is sufficient for you.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I have chosen to look up to you even in my predicaments, trusting that you will see me through, in Jesus’ name, Amen.