Understanding Satan's role (2)
Saturday 22nd September 2018
'A messenger of Satan, to torment me.' 2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV
When we're facing adversity on our Christian walk, we'd be wise to allow it to drive us closer to God. That was true in Paul's life: he had been a Christian persecutor who became an apostle chosen by God. He healed the sick, travelled the world, and wrote some of history's greatest documents.
But as he grew in godly fame, he came up against massive trials and challenges, one of which was to ward off pride. 'To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me' (2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV). We aren't told the nature of the thorn, but we're told its purpose - to keep Paul humble. And we're told its origin - a messenger of Satan. Paul says: 'Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in...difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong' (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV).
So, another thing that Satan does is harass us on our walk with Jesus, but God's grace is always enough for us to overcome his attacks.
So what now? When you're facing push back from the devil's camp, choose to rely on God's strength, build your faith and get closer to God.
Saturday 22nd September 2018
'A messenger of Satan, to torment me.' 2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV
When we're facing adversity on our Christian walk, we'd be wise to allow it to drive us closer to God. That was true in Paul's life: he had been a Christian persecutor who became an apostle chosen by God. He healed the sick, travelled the world, and wrote some of history's greatest documents.
But as he grew in godly fame, he came up against massive trials and challenges, one of which was to ward off pride. 'To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me' (2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV). We aren't told the nature of the thorn, but we're told its purpose - to keep Paul humble. And we're told its origin - a messenger of Satan. Paul says: 'Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in...difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong' (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV).
So, another thing that Satan does is harass us on our walk with Jesus, but God's grace is always enough for us to overcome his attacks.
So what now? When you're facing push back from the devil's camp, choose to rely on God's strength, build your faith and get closer to God.
