On That Thing

It is that thing each person has, but few publicly acknowledge. It is what separates us from divinity. It is the burden of humanity - issues. Although it is impossible to know everyone’s thing (or issue), it is certainly possible to speak to their universality. Whatever your thing is, only you know it best. It is that thing you can’t shake. Even after much of the undesirable has been removed, that thing is there. No matter how many good thoughts, earnest prayers, or sound strategies you employ, it remains. The truth is, each of us has some-THING, some irritating imperfection that lingers in our spiritual and/or physical temple. Whatever it is, it is a deficiency that is nearly impossible to break. In the battle to overcome that thing, many question their sanity and others even question God. “God, Why can’t I get rid of this THING!”

However, whether you are dealing with a physical battle or a character flaw, there are reasons for it. In II Corinthians 12:7-10 (below), Paul discusses his own affliction and the reason for it. He discusses his “thorn in the flesh” (verse 7), that “thing” (verse 8) that he could not overcome even after asking God to remove it from him. Then, he discusses why God allows imperfection, illness, and inconveniences in our lives. – to humble us and to show God’s strength.

“Lest I should be exalted” in verse 7 explains that God allows issues in our lives in order for us to remain humble. People who have gifts and never hurt often find it harder to exercise humility. ‘If I’ve never hurt, why would I need the help of God or others? I’ll be ok. I can make it, I’m me.’ The truth is, that “thing” keeps you humble, understanding the frailty of man and the grace of God.

In addition to humbling us, that thing also comes to show us God’s strength. When we have issues, it leads us to the One who can fix them. God told Paul in verse 9, “…my strength is made perfect in weakness”. At no greater time can God exhibit His power than when we are weak. Just think –

Would you hire a plumber if you never had a leak?

Would you go to a doctor if you never got sick?

Would you need a mechanic if your car never failed?


The question to each is, rhetorically, NO. It is when you have an issue, when something occurs, that you find out the true value in the plumber, doctor, or mechanic. This is God’s explanation for that thing in your life. That issue has not come to destroy you or devastate you. It has come to show you that God is able to correct it. It is there to humble you and show you the strength of the God you serve.


Let us reach our hands to the heavens in humble adoration of a God who hears us and humbles us. He doesn’t forget to pick us up when that thing knocks us down. The only reason He lets us fall is so we can appreciate how strong His arms are when He lifts us up. I pray that we begin to “take pleasure” in the distresses, needs, and persecutions we face. It is only then, in the place of our thing (issue), that God’s glory can truly be shown. Then we will reach our peak of understanding Him. For then we will understand how great He truly is.




Trusting,


- j.a.g.

II Corinthians 12:7-10
7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9And 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.
10Therefore 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.