Trials remind us not to overestimate our own spiritual maturity and strength. Paul testifies in 2 Corinthians 12: 7: "Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from exalting myself! Paul had received three visions of the Lord Jesus Christ in His resurrection glory, and the power to do many miracles and reveal new revelations of new truths. Paul was in the perfect pace to be tempted by pride. However, our Lord struck him with a painful, persistent problem that forced the apostle to rely completely on God. The Lord used his afflictions to teach Paul, just as He teaches all His children, to be humble, especially when He's graced us with an elevated place. The takeaway is that when you are facing a trial or have a persistent "thorn" (may be physical, emotional or spiritual), you should acknowledge that nothing happens to you that does not first pass through the throne room of heaven and rejoice. Rejoice that God will give you the grace you need, as He did Paul, to endure and be victorious over whatever trial comes your way.
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