Daily Devotion

Dear Berean TEAM and Friends –

2 Corinthians 12:7 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.”

Paul used the words “thorn” and “buffet” to describe the physical affliction that he endured. Although he did not specify the nature of his pain; it was “in the flesh” and it was like being pierced with a stake and continually beaten with an open fist. We do not know for sure. However, his bodily presence was somewhat weak (2 Cor 10:10). Whatever it was, it made his task of preaching and ministering to the churches far more difficult. If Paul had named his thorn, we might conclude that the promises of God were only good for others with the same problem. Since we don’t know what he suffered from, we can apply the promises he received to any situations that we will face! Paul also says that his affliction was carried out by a “messenger of Satan.” Just as God allowed Satan to torment Job (Job 1:6-12), He also allowed Satan to torment Paul for His own good purpose (Isa 46:10). You may be going through a time of physical suffering or some emotional pain right now. If not, you may have already passed through a storm or about to enter one down your road. Suffering and pain can come in many forms; we can hurt at different levels! In fact, we are all going to experience some periods of thorns and buffetings in life – we don’t like them, but they are part of life (Ecc 2:23)! We also need to remember that it is all part of God’s plan for our lives (Jer 29:11; Rom 8:28)! When they come your way, and they linger in your life, do not be discouraged (2 Cor 4:17)! Through it all, learn to trust in Jesus! God is doing something special in your life, and in His time (Isa 40:31), He will make that perfectly clear! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera?