1 It is necessary to go on boasting. Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows) 4 was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 6 For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me, 7 even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me—so that I would not become arrogant. 8 I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

REFLECTIONS

Written by George Mihas

Over the years, I have often wondered how people who seem to be mighty men and women of God have sometimes fallen in serious sin and scandal. It's all too often that you hear about some international evangelist who has fallen into sin – they got caught in adultery or embezzlement of money and so on.

I think Paul shows us not to think too highly of ourselves because there is a danger of making idols of ourselves. I believe a lot of these fallen Christians we followed and looked up to over the years couldn't handle the fame and every temptation that comes with it.

Things don't always turn out the way we planned in life. There are a lot of disappointments, and maybe just like Paul we are sometimes given a thorn in the flesh. Maybe this is God’s way of helping us and keeping us humble, so we don't fall and we can continue to fight the good fight of faith. He prunes our branches so we can produce more fruit.

This year I earnestly prayed for a certain situation and the opposite happened. I was very upset about it and still am. It's not easy to accept. In this life, I might never have the answer as to why after praying so much the opposite came to pass. But I do believe that if my prayer was answered according to my will, I could have become puffed up and it could have become an idol in my life.

This is my reflection of this part of Scripture: For when we are weak, God is strong.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.