#410 From Accusation to Acclamation 2 Cor 12.9
Whatever Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, he experienced it as a messenger of the Accuser.
Perhaps it was his eyesight, reminding him of his conversion when he was blinded. If his eyes were still effected (Galations 6:11) it would remind him of his encounter with Christ, and how the blindness he was struck with mirrored the blindness of his heart and mind, a blindness that drove him to pursue the Christian men and women who were now his Brothers and Sisters, a blindness that drove him to give his approval for the murder of Stephen.
Or perhaps his thorn in the flesh was his discomfort from past persecution of stoning which involved continual discomfort. 2 Corinthians 11:25 There were probably broken bones associated with the times he was stoned, and perhaps the healing process was not complete. His imperfect sight or his partially healed bones could have reminded him of his past. Regardless of the affliction, the message from these memories were accusatory, as well as humbling. 1 Corinthians 12:7
That is, until he prayed three times for the removal, and until he heard the answer of the Lord:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
“Most gladly, therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 1 Corinthians 12:9 His prayer for release turned to a prayer of praise.
We also may have experiences from the past that stay with us. The message we glean from memory associated with these times of past mistakes may be messages of accusation, and we may be buffeted or ‘beat ourselves up’ with accusation. Realizing the impact of our mistakes can be a source of helpful perspective to not think too highly of ourselves. But the accusation can be discouraging and even debilitating UNTIL we surrender this affliction to the Lord. UNTIL we hear “My grace is enough for you, for where there is weakness, my power is shown the more completely.”
Therefore I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:9 Phillips We are empowered to look at our weaknesses differently, as gifts to proclaim! This attitude of gratitude and praise for what He is able to do through weakness makes it possible for Christ power to fully rest upon us.
His intention for every experience is to bring us closer to His heart. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite one” Isaiah 57:15
When you are bruised and broken under the weight of sin, mistakes, and the desire to do better it is My delight to revive you! Please let Me revive you.
Let Me give you the gift of My life and courage breathed into your heart
Let me dispel the accusation and breathe in its place My love and strength to go forward.
It is My Delight to bring you back to spiritual aliveness and vitality.
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