"Heaven Can Wiat"
March 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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Do you have a prayer request that you have been bringing to the Lord's throne for weeks or months or even years-a request He never seems to answer? Paul was familiar with that experience. Though he never told us exactly what was troubling him, Paul was sure he could serve the Lord and His Church much better when God answered his prayer and removed his thorn. But despite his faithful prayers, the thorn remained. Finally the Lord explained that Paul didn't really need to have the thorn removed, he only needed God's grace, because Christ would reveal His power through Paul's weakness. Paul came to see that without the thorn he would become conceited by the wonderful things God was doing through Him.
Our Lord Jesus had the same experience. In Luke 22:41-42 we read, "He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.' " If God had given in to Jesus' prayer and spared His own Son, we would have been lost forever. Instead Jesus humbled Himself to fulfill God's will and save us all. Because He said "no" to His own Son, our Father in heaven says "yes" to us, welcoming us into His family through the gift of Baptism. Jesus Christ has laid His nail-pierced hands on each one of us, healing us from the sting of death. And every time we receive the Lord's Supper, we are strengthened in our faith that He has done all these things for each one of us.
Even though God might seem to be putting some of our prayers on hold, He assures us that He has a good reason for everything He does. And He promises He is making all things work together for our good, and the good of those around us (Romans 8:28). When He chooses not to remove our troubles He invites us to bring those heavy burdens to Him that, like Paul, we might find His strength made perfect in our weakness (Matthew 11:28-29).
THE PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, You created all things in the universe, including time. In Your good time You sent down Your Son to take the punishment for my sins and in Your good time You raised Him again to eternal life. Strengthen my faith and give me patience to accept Your perfect timing for my life. Use my weaknesses to demonstrate your perfect strength. In Jesus' name, Amen
Written by Vicar Christian C. Tiews
Grace Lutheran Church - Tulsa, Oklahoma
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