September 11
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Why does God allow hard things into our lives? On 9/11 it is hard not to reflect on the terrorist attack that happened so many years ago and the senseless loss of lives. We may struggle to make sense of situations like this and wonder why God did not intervene. I imagine Paul probably wrestled with this very same question.
God allowed Paul to experience unparalleled things like speaking to the resurrected Jesus, performing miracles, and seeing massive numbers of people come to faith in Christ. He also allowed Paul to experience a “thorn in [the] flesh.” Along with the majestic, he allowed the difficult into his life as well. Paul prayed for it to be taken away, but God chose not to answer his prayer in the way he wanted. It is not hard to envision Paul asking the question "why?" At least in Paul's case, the “thorn” remained so Paul would stay humble and recognize God’s grace and power were evident in all circumstances. In fact, it is when we are weakest that we are most reliant upon God’s power. In our own lives, God allows difficulties, hurts, and thorns so we can experience more of him. God wants us to learn to live with absolute reliance upon him. Our own strength is weakness, while God’s strength is the source of true power. So, let us rely on God, trust in him, and experience his power working in and through us whether in peaceful gardens or wandering through thorns.
Father God, help me to trust that you are using all circumstances to conform me into the likeness of your Son. Amen.
How have you seen God use difficulties to move you towards greater reliance on God?
Why does God allow hard things into our lives? On 9/11 it is hard not to reflect on the terrorist attack that happened so many years ago and the senseless loss of lives. We may struggle to make sense of situations like this and wonder why God did not intervene. I imagine Paul probably wrestled with this very same question.
God allowed Paul to experience unparalleled things like speaking to the resurrected Jesus, performing miracles, and seeing massive numbers of people come to faith in Christ. He also allowed Paul to experience a “thorn in [the] flesh.” Along with the majestic, he allowed the difficult into his life as well. Paul prayed for it to be taken away, but God chose not to answer his prayer in the way he wanted. It is not hard to envision Paul asking the question "why?" At least in Paul's case, the “thorn” remained so Paul would stay humble and recognize God’s grace and power were evident in all circumstances. In fact, it is when we are weakest that we are most reliant upon God’s power. In our own lives, God allows difficulties, hurts, and thorns so we can experience more of him. God wants us to learn to live with absolute reliance upon him. Our own strength is weakness, while God’s strength is the source of true power. So, let us rely on God, trust in him, and experience his power working in and through us whether in peaceful gardens or wandering through thorns.
Father God, help me to trust that you are using all circumstances to conform me into the likeness of your Son. Amen.
How have you seen God use difficulties to move you towards greater reliance on God?
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