“Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 MSG)
I love the paraphrasing of the passage above, done in “The Message” Bible translation.
The apostle Paul received amazing revelations about Heaven and about the Gospel of Grace. He was even allowed to hear truths in Paradise that he wasn’t allowed to utter back on earth.
A person having privileged access to such sacred knowledge can cause one’s heart to be lifted up in pride.
Thus, God allowed a demon, Paul’s “thorn in the side”, to trouble him.
God lifted His hedge of protection and permitted the demon to do that to protect Paul from being too proud because of the great revelations he received directly from God.
The demonic attacks reminded Paul that he needed to rely on God’s grace, just like everyone else.
Imagine Paul’s terrible fall if God didn’t allow the demon to pester him. The higher a heart is lifted up in pride, the worse the fall.
That’s why I believe if God allows you to go through some sort of trial sent by the devil, there is a good reason for it, to protect you from something worse, or to set you up for something great. There is mercy in this decision.
God always has your best interests at heart. Trials build patience, faith, perseverance and ultimately the mature fruit of love.
Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were cast into a fiery furnace in Babylon but they ended up being promoted, while those who threw them in were killed by the raging flames.
The same fire that prepares you for promotion to greater blessings, is deadly to your enemies.
You’re coming out alive and well to a broader place of abundance, and you won’t see your enemies again.
When I go through a trial, I like to quickly ask Jesus, “Lord, what is the lesson I need to learn from this trial? Thank You for showing it to me and refining my character to become more like You.”
Imagine if Joseph wasn’t allowed to be sent to Egypt. What if he wasn’t allowed to be cast into prison with the royal butler and baker? He would have never had the opportunity to meet the Pharaoh and become the second most powerful man in Egypt.
If you’re in a trial right now, believe that God is setting you up for a big opportunity. He is arranging things for your good. Everything will eventually converge to that point where you meet the helper who can propel you forward in your God-given calling.
In the meantime, continue praying and especially pray in tongues frequently if you have already received the gift. Praying gives consent for God to do as He wants to in your life.
Trust that He is infinitely good, and that the future He has planned for you is also very very good!
If you find yourself complaining and despairing, it just shows that you’ve not embraced what you’re supposed to learn or receive from the trial.
You’ll eventually get to that point of surrender where you lift your hands and say, “Lord, I’m tired of trying to figure this out on my own. I cannot, only You can save me from this. I cast it all into Your hands and fully trust in You. Do Your work in me. Amen.”
This year, you’ll need the entrance of God’s word to give you light to see. His word will be a lamp to your feet, showing you the way step by step.
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