For the Glory of God

Trials anyone?

Oftentimes people feel guilty when they ask to be delivered from some sort of suffering. The truth is, it is okay to ask for deliverance from trials; Paul did. In 2 Cor. 12, we remember Paul spoke of the thorn in his flesh. He desired to have it removed. He even prayed three times for its removal. Listen to what he says: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.”

But here is what the Lord reminded him of: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

And Paul’s response: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2Co 12:7-10)

While it is perfectly right to ask for release from a trial or problem, we must remember that it may be God’s best for us to continue experiencing the very suffering from which we passionately pray to be delivered. The suffering in and of itself is not good, but rather the good comes in when we learn and grow through it. Let us with patience run this race, even when there are bumps along the way! It is for HIS Glory!