Conceited

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations a thorn was given to me in the flesh,a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited."/2 Corr. 12:7 (ESV)

Guest post:

Aah humility, what a desirable yet precarious characteristic to attain. Paul, a man of great wisdom and knowledge, as well as zealous follower of Christ, knew this particular trait was one God was developing in him for a specific purpose.

It must have been so frustrating, as he desired to spend every waking moment serving the Lord, winning souls for his Savior, yet as he said this ever present " thorn" was present. He pleads for it to be removed not once, not twice, but 3 times. What's the reply? "My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in your weakness" 

(vs.9). So what can we too hope to learn from Paul's wisdom? Perhaps one thing is that humility is a tool God uses to draw us and others closer to Him. The thorn can come in many forms, I think, in the work place, in our physical health, mental health, our spiritual walk. So many avenues that Satan can place his prickly point. But the thing is God is still in control, He still is sovereign; NOTHING can touch our life with out His knowledge. We may ask, plead, or cry out for God to remove "it", to heal, to quiet the storm in our life, but ultimately it is His will that will be done.

So how can we choose to look at this as a blessing? To still hold onto the joy, the hope our Lord promises? 

I think perhaps by taking on that spirit of humility as Paul chose to do,; to allow God to be glorified, by others witnessing His power, His love, His life within us despite our thorn, our weaknesses. 
Yes humility is a blessing and a curse, the pain or strife is not wanted by us on a human level, however the promise and hope delivered by our Heavenly Father with in that is. 
Friends let us not look with disdain on our thorns, but embrace them for what they are, God's hope, shown proven as evidenced within our lives. 

Be blessed, Di

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Diane Kalata is a wife of 26 yrs., mother of 3 , and grandma too! She is a cancer survivor. She deals with chronic illness on a daily basis, but has the joy of ministering through writing, art, and home studies. She loves our Lord dearly and desires to be a reflection of Him in her daily life, as they walk the journey of illness together. www.facebook.com/groups/Zebras4Christ/