Re:Verse reading 2 Corinthian 12:1-10 (day two)
Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. vs. 8
Sometimes God says no. Intellectually we understand this. We can’t get everything we want or ask for, right? We appreciate that we don’t always know the best path forward for our lives, and that God sees the bigger picture. But surely, surely God would remove something that is painful from us in order to better serve him, right? Well, no. Paul, reluctantly, admits that God in his wisdom has chosen to not remove this thorn in order that any good result of Paul’s ministry will be rightly attributed to God. He knows us and our tendencies. Sometimes we need a governor (pardon the NASCAR reference) on our hearts in order to maintain focus on Jesus. If he says no, don’t wallow. You are in good company. He will give you what you need to cope with your circumstances.
Sometimes a No from God is His way to direct us to work things out ourselves. He will be present and intervene as needed. I believe we learn more and grow from being rejected than to be accepted all the time.
We should appreciate both “Yes” and “No”! If life is smooth, we never learn and never see the need for change or for doing things differently. Those who went through tragedies after tragedies or experienced difficulties in life seem to be more appreciative of every little thing in life.
There is no need to learn without struggles. In the long run, change brings growth. A “no” response brings change!