A Spectacle Of Glory #348

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:1-7

Have you ever been in a meeting where a coworker shares an idea—but it’s something you’d thought of days before? When people comment on the brilliance of this concept, you feel like saying, “Yes, I thought of that already.” Why do you do that? Because you want to share the spotlight, don’t you?

Our fallen natures crave self-glory. We want our successes and strengths to be known, and our failures and weaknesses to be hidden. The apostle Paul could have been like that, but Jesus wisely gave him “a thorn” in his flesh to afflict him. Paul’s thorn reminded him it’s not human achievement that showcases God’s glory; it is, rather, human want, need, and even helplessness. Paul could have said, “Well, when God called me up to the third heaven for a little visit, I learned thus and so.” But the thorn kept reminding him, “Slow down, Paul. You’re a man in great need.” And so are we.

Dear Father, what a companion a thorn can be to me! Yes, it can bring grief and torment, but it can also be an unavoidable reminder of how needy I really am and how dependent I am on Your daily infusion of strength. For that reason, I thank You for the thorns in my life.