2 Corinthians 12Paul was given a vision of heaven and then "a thorn in the flesh" to keep him humble.INSIGHTThe Bible gives us a number of reasons why Christians suffer adversity. One reason is to strengthen and mature us. Another is that it is the natural consequence of our own foolishness from which God does not necessarily protect us. And another reason Paul gives us in today's chapter is to keep us humble. If things always went well for us, if life was always "coming up roses," we would tend to become conceited, to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and perhaps think less of others. Notice that Paul only prayed three times for the removal of his "thorn in the flesh" (vv. 7-8). When it was clear that God was not going to remove it, Paul accepted it.PRAYERBecause the Lord always has a reason for allowing adversity, we can praise Him for all things:Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,And I will declare Your greatness.They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,And shall sing of Your righteousness.The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,Slow to anger and great in mercy.The Lord is good to all,And His tender mercies are over all His works. (Psalm 145:6-9)Pause for praise and thanksgiving.


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