July 30

Read: II Corinthians 12:7-10

He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness (II Corinthians 12:9).

I Need To Depend On God

Paul was a sanctified Christian. In spite of this fact — or probably because of it — he was beset by a strong and recurring temptation. He says this temptation came, not because he was failing God, because God had already done so much for him. Paul called this troublesome thing a thorn in his flesh, and declared it was a messenger of Satan sent to give him a bad time. He prayed earnestly three times for God to deliver him from the attack of Satan. God could have done so, but He did not. Why?

God’s answer to Paul’s prayer gives us another reason why a Heavenly Father allows the sanctified Christian to be tempted. We need to learn to depend on God. The spiritual life is a personal partnership — a mutual and glad partnership of God’s Holy Spirit and my spirit. If God had given to me at the altar enough grace to carry me to the end, I would miss the wonder of the renewed fellowship that I have when I come to Him and am helped and reassured by Him.

God did not remove the thorn, but when it hurt the worst, Paul heard God’s voice most clearly. And that voice transformed his day! Is it really good to go our own painless way, seldom feeling our need of God, and hence seldom hearing Him? Paul says No — a thousand times no. And in our own dark hours when God’s presence becomes most real to us we join in the Apostle’s testimony: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Praise For Today

O my Father, I gladly acknowledge this wonder. It is better to be buffeted and to feel Thy help than never to be battered at all. Thanks for every sanctifying process of Thy Spirit that impels me to lean hard on Thee. Amen.