With the Roses Come the Thorns

So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in 

infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses

 (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Paul, formerly named Saul, is one of my favorite contributors to the Scriptures.  He was a man of diversity: born into a prominent Pharisee family; a Roman by birth; educated by a highly-respected rabbi; and a strict follower of Mosaic Law.  He had it all: good background; the best available education; respect of his peers; a moral reputation. (Philippians 3:4-6).

Yet, after meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul’s life did a 180 degree turn, as clearly stated in his letter to the church at Philippi: 

What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence 

of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord

 (Philippians 3:7-8)

Paul’s conversion to Christianity did not come without consequences.  Those who had been his colleagues became his sworn enemies.  He wrote that among other things, he was beaten, stoned, robbed, imprisoned, shipwrecked, lied about and imprisoned, went hungry and sleepless, was thirsty, cold, inadequately clothed, and deeply burdened for the churches. (2 Corinthians 13:11:23-28).
 
As if that were not enough to send one’s spirits on a downward spiral, he also suffered from an unnamed disability which is thought by some to be impaired vision due to exposure to the Light of God at the time of his conversion. (Acts 9:3-9).

How then, we might ask, was Paul able to write that he was pleased to experience so many negative circumstances?  Was he a masochist who enjoyed hurts and hard times?  No, nothing of the sort. 

Paul stated that on three different occasions he pleaded with God to remove the disability which, in the culture of his day, could have been regarded as a sign of God’s disapproval. But instead of granting Paul’s plea, God told him,

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness 

(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Not only did Paul accept God’s refusal to heal him, he realized why his request was not granted:

Lest I should be exalted above measure

 by the abundance of the revelations…

for when I am weak, then I am strong

 (2 Corinthians 12:7,10)

 Paul came to recognize that his physical limitations made it more necessary to rely on God.  In that sense, his handicap became his greatest asset.

The Christian life is never without challenges.  Even though our list may not compare to Paul’s, into each of our lives come setbacks, delays, and disappointments.  There are times when we are tempted to complain and wonder why things happen the way they do.  But in the midst of it all, we are comforted when we recall God’s eternal promise:

My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you

[sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; 

for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) 

and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness 

(2 Corinthians 12:9 Amp)

                                   Lord, give us the strength to live our lives
                                   in spite of the stresses, heartaches, and strives.
                                  When all of our plans and dreams don’t come true,
                                   help us to bring them, surrendered, to You.
                                   Give us the patience we need every day,
                                   to trust Your great plan and
                                   to do things Your way.