We have strength in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:7-10

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So 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, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I won't have a lot of time to spend blogging in the next couple of weeks; I am taking a minimester in psychology at ICC through the end of May to pick up what I hope are the final three social science hours I need to qualify academically at Concordia Seminary. If you have never taken a minimester (this is my first), well, understand that each day is about one and a half weeks of a normal class. In other words, it is quite consuming of my time.

In any case, I didn't want to pass up at least a couple notes about the verse from Second Corinthians I posted Tuesday on Facebook, especially considering that pastor and I talked about it today during our regular weekly meeting. He being the educated theologian had a far better theory than I did. I couldn't get past the idea that maybe it was some sin or temptation Paul regularly struggled with.

Pastor on the other hand made a great argument that the thorn was Paul's eyesight, citing Galatians 6:11. "See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand." Of course, there is also Galatians 4:13-15:
You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
Good stuff, I must say. But whatever Paul's thorn was, it really doesn't matter. Truth of the matter is we have much to learn from Paul, most notably in our attitude now that we believe. 

God called us to hear the Word and believe. He called us to study his Word and believe. He called us to be active in our faith, a living faith, one that bears fruit. He has called us to believe so that we can look to the empty cross, for the sake of Christ, and remember that God nailed the sin of all who will believe to the cross and left it there to die. 

That's the gospel that makes Paul's words so important.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Just believe. Tomorrow, we will be in paradise.

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