Is this what you are seeking? Hunting for an escape from what is… or a rescue… or some refuge, even temporary? I would contend that this is the state all of us find ourselves in from time to time. So what answer for ourselves have we discovered? Or… do we try and stiff upper lip it and suffer through it until it’s over? Question – what did you learn from this approach? Or maybe you’ve discovered another method to find your escape?
I’ll never forget my initial reaction to a comment Paul made:
“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.”
(2 Corinthians 12: 7-9, AMP)
WHAT…!!! My eyes landed on a number of points: thorn in the flesh given, His grace is sufficient, perfected/shows most effectively in weakness. To be completely honest, I still wrestle with these verses. I’ve never believed that the Father put sickness on us to ‘teach us’ something. Totally incomprehensible! Granted I do believe that when we are sick that when we turn to the Lord He can teach us in the sickness… but to believe He put it on us in the first place really goes against everything I believe. Could I be wrong? Possibly… don’t think so.
Thorn in the flesh… hmmm. If you read the verses you’ll see that the Father never said that He wouldn’t remove the thorn, only that His grace was sufficient. Different perspective. Different focus. He has said (1 Corinthians 10:13) that He will make a way through temptations for us. However, I read that to mean that we need to follow that way. On another note… do you feel you have a thorn in your flesh? Is there anything in your life related to this concept that provides you with a check?
Yet… I know we all need escape/rescue/refuge at times. Do we recognize when that rescue is occurring? Back to the initial context – are you seeking an escape… rescue… refuge? Do you need ‘sanctuary’? Why? Or is the why irrelevant, the reality is that for some reason or another, you need to escape? And what are you going to do during that period of escape? I never said that your request was unimportant. I merely am trying to help you assess, as correctly and completely as possible, your need? want? And, what you will accomplish during that time because I really don’t believe any rescue is ‘ongoing’.
If you take nothing else away from this discussion, do realize Paul’s ultimate response.
“… ‘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 “
Bottom line is that it’s OUR attitude that makes the difference. The Lord is always with us, He will never leave us, He wants only the best for us. We need to believe in and trust this. (And… when we have those times of escape, that we effectively utilize that time.) You might also look to the reason for the thorn…. Paul had assessed the purpose.
