“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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
The three of us on the roof of the Church were actually having fun! The shingle roof, being old, had sprung a leak long ago, but didn’t really make that big a splash until one Sunday during a downpour. The spot on the ceiling had moved us to ask someone to repair it. But the REAL problem was not really addressed. Now, something more than a bucket was necessary.
Several of us counseled together and it was decided that, for now, a tarp would be necessary to give us time to get quotes for a new roof. Rob, Rick and I were soon on top of the Church roof laying the tarp. Grabbing a screw from the box, I held it in place with 1 hand while controlling a drill with the other. As I felt the prick of a splinter being driven into my thumb, I cried, “OUCH!”
Everyone gets a splinter in their life. Some are way worse than others. This one was very tiny. It was one of those that can’t really be dug out. It needed time to fester, blister and pop to get it gone. That healing process takes time, and hurts every time I grab something with that thumb. So I’m babying it as much as I can. The thorn that Paul received from Jesus is very similar.
We all hate pain. Consequently, it seems a common thought among Jesus’ people is that, since pain doesn’t feel good, God shouldn’t allow or give it. Paul, it seems, had every reason to brag and become conceited. What he had seen and discovered with Jesus as his master gave him every reason to be a snob. So here it says, Paul was given a messenger from satan… a thorn in the flesh.
My splinter pain reminds me that I need to be careful and not depend so much on that thumb until it heals. The MAJOR hurts and pains we all face at one time or another, like death of a loved one, sickness, separation or loss, can actually remind us that we can’t face that kind of pain ALONE. I OFTEN am reminded, by my weakness, that I can ONLY get through difficulty, with Jesus in charge.
It’s tough, sad, painful and often overwhelming to face the difficulties of this life. I tend to expect that, with Jesus as my Savior, everything should go smoothly. The reality is, like the song says, “HIS strength is perfect… when my strength is gone. He’ll carry us, when we can’t carry on.” But ONLY if we give it to Him and trust Him THROUGH the pain. What splinters, or beams, are YOU carrying? Are you giving them to Jesus?
