2nd Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For reasons which The Lord gave, God saw it fit not to heal Paul, and he humbly deferred to the decision by God. The apostle did not then get bitter or angry with God, as was the case with Judas, but instead rejoiced in The Lord’s decision, knowing that it was for his best good. The same attitude should be emulated by all who, in times of difficulty, and trouble, may have their own preferences, as it pertains to deliverance, but who should humbly defer to God’s better judgement, in the matter, whether it be yea, or nay.
The days that are upon us will present increasingly difficult challenges, and it may not be in every single instance that God will choose to deliver. In some of the cases, He may intervene, but in others He might choose not to, for whatever reason He may see fit. And there may be some embarrassment too, for any person who decides to take a firm decision to keep all of God’s commandments, at a time when it will be very unpopular to do so.
We may be looking at betrayal by close friends and family, sabotage, and ridicule by our fellow church members, and like Peter, the finger of scorn may be pointed at us. In addition to this, we will no longer be able to buy groceries at Publix, where shopping is a pleasure, yet, God at that time will be choosing when and how to deliver.
2nd Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!