Revelations, Thorns, and the Grace of God
Every child of God experiences his or her own version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Every one of our lives is a mixture of good days, bad days, blessings, and bummers. But as followers of The Lord Jesus Christ, we can count on one thing to sustain us in and through all of those seasons - His wonderful, marvelous, and powerful grace. It was the grace of God that granted Paul visions and revelations that were so spectacular that he could not even write them down. But it was also the grace of God that sustained him and strengthened him when he was buffeted by a painful and demonic “thorn in the flesh”.
How vital it is for each of us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as the apostle Peter exhorts (2 Peter 3:18). It is not enough to know the academic doctrine of grace. It is not enough to be able to articulate the theological implications of the doctrine of grace. Grace is a Person and His Name is Jesus Christ. When we go to the throne of grace for help or wisdom in time of need (Hebrews 4:16), God gives us Himself as the supply of grace and help. Jesus doesn’t give us grace and a lecture. He gives us Himself, and in giving us Himself, He gives us abundant grace (John 1:17). So whether you are experiencing revelations from God or thorny attacks from the enemy, know this. God’s grace is sufficient for you and His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).