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.

On Bold Prayers

At first glance, bold prayer can seem like a paradox. Boldness suggests pride, an arrogant inability to back down. Conversely, prayer reminds us of a submitted, humble nature. Yet, the two words speak of an assured faith in God. Removed from the brash, disrespectful, selfish connotations of boldness, there is a root of virtue in this word. Deep down at it’s core, boldness is born of an assurance that is neither good nor bad, simply true. Boldness is developed because of a sincere belief on foundational truths. In short, boldness comes from confidence. Prayer too, can be misunderstood. It is not a timid, distant dialogue with God. At it’s root, it is a naked, open conversation with God. The more honest, the better. Combined, bold prayers, are times of confident honesty.

We can learn from David in Psalm 143 of the Bible (listed below) about this principle. David, battered from his earthly existence, calls on God in a sincere and sure voice. This psalm exposes David’s heart, his boldness, and his example to us. He declares:


I need to be heard. Hear me (v. 7) - Can You make sure my prayers reach You and reach others? Can You promise they won’t come back unanswered? Can You at least agree to hear me when I call You?

I need to be directed. Cause me (v. 8) - Can You make sure I am headed in the right direction? Can You promise I won’t go the wrong way? Can You at least agree to lead if I let you?

I need to be rescued. Deliver me (v. 9) - Can You make sure I am delivered from my sins, my enemies, and myself? Can You promise to provide a way of escape? Can You at least agree to save my soul if You don’t save my body?

I need to be instructed. Teach me (v. 10) - Can You make sure I know what is necessary to serve You? Can You promise to give me teachers and lessons for my life? Can You at least agree to provide a textbook?

I need to be strengthened. Quicken me (v. 11) - Can you make sure I am strong enough to live for you? Can you promise to sustain me? Can you at least agree to be strong when I am weak?


While blunt and bare, David’s communication with God came from his relationship with Him. This is revealed in verse 12 - “...for I am your servant”. The reason he was able to approach God boldly was because he had already submitted his life and his spirit to God. His position, as a servant, gave him access to God and to honest and direct conversation. If you desire to approach God boldly, with candor and free of inhibition, submit to Him first. Bold prayer requires a servant’s heart.


I pray this changes how we pray. Our petitions to God should not be powerless pleas, but passionate professions of our faith in Him. I believe God cups His hand to His ear when humble hearts pray. Desire to pray with the heart of a servant. One who has a relationship that is built on confidence and truth. One who can pray BOLDLY.



Seeking,

- j.a.g.




Psalm 143
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
7Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.