Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. (2 Cor. 12:8)
This verse speaks of a thorn in Paul’s flesh, a messenger of Satan. A demonic attack sent by Satan to Paul that God used in Paul’s life to buffet him. The Bible tells us that all things work together for our good and that what the devil means for evil, God turns around for our good. Many times we seek God for a way out of infirmity or hardships, when in fact that is the very thing that God may be using to keep us humble or out of spiritual trouble. God never causes disease but I have seen how it is used by God at times for something wonderful. The proof of this is Paul’s life and Lazarus’ life as well. In John 11, God’s word tells us of Lazarus dying and Jesus saying,” this sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God.” It is clear and obvious through God’s word that at times sickness is used to glorify God in some way.
What we need to do is trust God and know that He is in control and that there is nothing to fear. All will workout for the good and God will supply all of our needs and the future is truly in His hands. Pray to God, seek His face and don’t be discouraged. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Again trust the Lord. I know for myself that everything I have asked God to remove that wasn’t removed, has taught me compassion and understanding for those who are facing the same situations. If I had never faced those giants in my own life, I could never have understood those now facing the same things. Instead of me “trying” to understand people, I can understand because I have walked through the same heartaches and have been given the gift of compassion for them.
God uses our trials, our shortcomings, our pains, our sufferings as well as our triumphs and victories for others and for His glory. Be content where you are for you are being prepared for great and mighty things which you know not of.
How one views their class room in life determines how they will act during their training. If you see God in it then it will be filled with joy and expectation. If there is complaining and bitterness then the outcome will bring forth bad fruit. What is sown is what is reaped. Through the trials that come your way, demonstrate Jesus and anticipate a harvest of good fruit. Remember that not everything will depart from us that we want out of our lives until it has done its job of refining and pruning. Hold onto Jesus and He will see you through.
Always keep in mind that no matter what your current situation feels like, God is good, fair and just. What at times seems like an attack to take you out may very well be the thing that God turns around to become your blessing of blessings!
The Teaching Ministry of Michael Cannatello
TMMC
