“The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭49‬-‭52‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Every picture has its shades of light and dark without which its details would be indistinct and insipid. So, the darkness of systemic persecution began to gather around these two courageous men as the background to their world-changing work. Despite the increasing persecution, first from their own countrymen, the Jews, and then, later, from those representing the Roman government, the  gospel message spread and the church was rooted  and grew in the soil of Asia Minor.  

Against the backdrop of deep spiritual darkness, the light of the gospel began to shine…at first like the feeble light of many candles…but later, with ever-increasing brightness and influence. 

Perhaps, this is my opportunity to inject one of Paul’s greatest spiritual lessons into the narrative at this point. Fleeing from one city to the next to escape the hatred of his Jewish compatriots began to get to him. He was called to take the message of Jesus to the Gentiles but he never excluded his own people despite their opposition. 

However, the Jews were the ones who constantly hindered his ministry. So he prayed, three times, for release from this, what he called, “thorn in the flesh.” 

“…Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul had experienced heavenly revelations that were becoming a problem to him…pride! A subtle feeling of superiority, perhaps… Was he starting to feel, somehow, special? His flesh was beginning to rise up so, God had to teach him a lesson that would keep his feet firmly planted on the ground.

Paul knew what a “thorn in the flesh” meant. After Israel’s conquest of Canaan, God was angry with His people because they were worshipping the gods of the Canaanites. 

“So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The gods they worshipped would become a trap to them…idolatry…what God hated the most. 

Was the Lord warning Paul that pride would elevate him to becoming his own idol…a dangerous trap that would drive a wedge between himself and God? 

So God said; “No!” Paul’s bubble needed to be pricked before the damage was done. The message was subtle but clear. 

God’s method of discipline was effective…to keep His servant dependent on Him, He kept him weak through persecution…always having to lean on Him for strength to endure.  

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What Paul needed was not freedom from trouble but strength to endure, no matter how difficult the way…relying on God’s grace. In his weakness, Paul traded complaining for gratitude. Every time he faced hatred, opposition, danger, he thanked the Lord for the weakness that made him eligible for His strength. 

Paul’s new attitude, giving thanks in all circumstances, was a powerful antidote to discontent…his passport to victory over the ravages of his flesh. He was learning to ignore the pricks because, cushioned by God’s grace, they no longer hurt him. 

We do well to heed this lesson in  our own lives. God allows situations that drive us to lean on Him, for one important reason. When we are genuinely grateful for the troubles and hardships that keep us weak and humble, we will strengthen the bonds of faith and love that keep us close to Jesus. 

To be continued