READING: Jeremiah 11-13, 2 Corinthians 12
Sometimes God says “no” to our prayer requests. When He does so, though, it’s always because He knows (1) what’s best for us and (2) what He’s doing in us to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). We may not always understand His reasoning—and He’s under no obligation to give us an explanation—but there are times when we grow through the experience of “no” and can rejoice in it.
That’s what Paul described about himself in today’s New Testament reading. God had allowed some severe trouble—a messenger of Satan—into Paul’s life. I suspect that trouble may have been a physical issue, but the text doesn’t tell us. Whatever it was, Paul pleaded with God to take it away—but God repeatedly said, “No.” Instead, He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).
As Paul reflected on this experience, here’s what he had learned. First, God allowed this thorn to keep him from getting arrogant. Paul could have, based on both his Jewish training and his Christian faithfulness, been prideful, but God would not allow him to go there. God wanted Paul most useful to Him, so He kept Him weak and dependent. Second, Paul realized it was good to be weak. When we’re in that state, all we can do is turn to and lean on God who is our strength. In fact, Paul so delighted in God’s being his strength that he came to the place to take pleasure in hardships that drove him to God.
May we come to the same place if God says, “No” to our prayers today.
PRAYER: “God, help me to trust Your love and plan if the answer is ‘No’ today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 14-16, Psalm 76, 2 Corinthians 13