THE THORNS IN OUR FLESH

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ALCEDES JONES on April 19, 2012 at 8:14pm

FOOD FOR THE SOUL  TO ALL THAT READ THIS PLEASE READ OUR GOOD BROTHER AND PREACHER MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON THIS TO ME IT REALLY ANSWER MY QUESTION LOVE YOU ALL  

Permalink Reply by ALCEDES JONES on April 19, 2012 at 8:19pm

 I GOT TO SHARE THIS ,IT IS PART OF MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY 

4. We have an account of the answer given to the apostle's prayer, that, although the trouble was not removed, yet an equivalent should be granted: My grace is sufficient for thee. Note, (1.) Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always answer it in the letter; as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. (2.) When God does not remove our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives us grace sufficient for us, we have no reason to complain, nor to say that he deals ill by us. It is a great comfort to us, whatever thorns in the flesh we are pained with, that God's grace is sufficient for us. Grace signifies two things:-[1.] The good-will of God towards us, and this is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort us, to support our souls and cheer up our spirits, in all afflictions and distresses. [2.] The good work of God in us, the grace we receive from the fulness that is in Christ our head; and from him there shall be communicated that which is suitable and seasonable, and sufficient for his members. Christ Jesus understands our case, and knows our need, and will proportion the remedy to our malady, and not only strengthen us, but glorify himself. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified; he ordains his praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.

III. Here is the use which the apostle makes of this dispensation: He gloried in his infirmities (v. 9), and took pleasure in them, v. 10. He does not mean his sinful infirmities (those we have reason to be ashamed of and grieved at), but he means his afflictions, his reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake, v. 10. And the reason of his glory and joy on account of these things was this-they were fair opportunities for Christ to manifest the power and sufficiency of his grace resting upon him, by which he had so much experience of the strength of divine grace that he could say, When I am weak, then am I strong. This is a Christian paradox: when we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we see ourselves weak in ourselves, then we go out of ourselves to Christ, and are qualified to receive strength from him, and experience most of the supplies of divine strength and grace

Permalink Reply by a servant (Chris) on April 20, 2012 at 3:55pm

As I read this I got a little confused.  I had to look at things I have been working on or posted.  I thought I had posted on this very thing.  No, I am still working on it.  Anyway one point I saw in this is, Trust.  This is part of what I have been working on.  When he heard those words, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”  God told him those words, He tells us the same words.  We may not have, “a messenger from satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.  However, one thing we do not read in these words but, its meaning is there nonetheless.  “...My Power works best in weakness...” is the word “Trust.”  In weakness there is a trust.  If you have ever held a baby or the hand of a child, you feel the responsibility to protect.  A child even a newborn can feel when a person holding them, or just their hand, does not feel that responsibility to protect. We know God Loves us.  So why is it at times difficult to be weak, to trust Him?  We know that we should, we read the words, we hear others share.  Still, it can be a hard thing to do.  It is one thing to know the words, it is something else to not just believe them but, to live them.  As for Paul, three times he asked it to be removed.  What began as a tool to keep him from becoming proud, turned into the ability to handle his entire life.  “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  Through his weakness, the Power of Jesus was able to flow and work through him.  In humility he was able to deal with insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that he suffered for Christ.  I mean no disrespect, yet there is the rub again, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” I know He is telling us to Trust Him, I know He wants what is best for us.  To be humble is a step forward.  To trust Him in all things is a huge leap, or at least it is for me right now.  What I see in this is when we are in a place where we must Trust God in all things.  And to keep a humble heart so He is able to work through us with ease.  Is this close to any of your thoughts Brother?  To see you post it and to know I was about to post it.  The Spirit is obviously wanting to tell us something.  Lord Bless 

Permalink Reply by ALCEDES JONES on April 20, 2012 at 4:32pm

Yes my brother yes trust is the key here for me too  and rebuke satan to keep him out of my head ,for I did not work at all this week and as of yesterday I was still fighting satan off and this morning it came back to me ,GOD'S WORDS AS USUALLY , Isaiah 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts", so there come that Trust Factor for he knows and see all things and knows all that my family and I need ,so I have to leave it at his throne and take it one day at a time and follow his leading because sometime the things we want to do even good things so we think is not what he want us to do at that time,for it is not our plan but his plan that we should line up to.  

Permalink Reply by Jasper Andrew on April 27, 2012 at 2:34pm

There isnt situation in our Lives that God doesnt know off. He knows how much we pray thus if things dont change Just ask why. He lets us live in certain situations Knowing ITS NEVER TOO MUCH for us. And if we saw things according to HIS WILL which is hard to take, if its not hard then question whose voice that is you heard from. never forget. (JEREMIAH 29:11). Excuse the order of my writing.