Thorny Reminder

[S] 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 --
 ⁷Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! ⁸Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

[O] After Paul's conversion, God used him in a mighty way and even to us now he guides our spiritual walk through his writings in the Bible.  One would think that after such a service for His Kingdom purposes, he deserves some recognition and also for God to remove that thorn in his flesh (after asking three times).  However, God's plan was different and Paul understood that according to verse 7 -- it is to keep him humble.  Proverbs 16:18 says, Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.  God must have loved Paul so much that He didn't want Paul to fall into a trap of destruction and therefore left that thorn in the flesh to keep him on the right track.  God cares for our best spiritual well being according to His principles and at times it does not jive with our common sense and in the end it's about how well we understand the depth of His love for us and to accept His guidance as our medicine for spiritual health.

[A] Although I would love to be good at everything in the Lord, God will not grant that in order to keep me spiritually healthy.  One of the most dangerous poison in my spiritual health is pride and in all I do I must be careful in this department.  Keep in mind, Proverbs 22:4 -- humility goes before honor.

[P] Thank You Father for always giving me the best for my spiritual health even though it may not make sense to me at first.  Please grant me the humility to submit to Your leadership in my life.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.