Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 12, 2023: SOAP #4878: 1Samuel 13; 1Chronicles 2-3; 2Corinthians 12

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 12:7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

OBSERVATION:  Much has been spoken and written about Paul’s “thorn in his flesh.”  Various ones have their personal suggestion as to what it is.  Some use other scriptures to suggest something that could be a weakness in Paul.  Since it is not specifically defined in this passage, I suggest that it is not important for me to know what it was. 

However, the specific actions of Paul give me some guidelines for dealing with ongoing problems in my life.  Paul prayed and God answered his prayers.  It was not the answer Paul wanted.  Paul wanted it removed, but God said His grace was sufficient to help Paul bear.  Paul accepted God’s answer and God’s promise!  It was a great promise!  Paul’s weakness would provide opportunity for God’s power to be manifested.  Paul moved on in his life and ministry.  He did not continue to beg God for that about which God had already spoken. 

APPLICATION: I need to learn to rest in God’s will.  His specific answers to my prayers should settle the matter for me.  My weaknesses provide Him opportunity to demonstrate His power through me. 

PRAYER:   Lord, may others see you living in me and working through me.  May my obvious weaknesses insure that you get all the glory.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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