Thorn in my flesh

 Closeness to God requires humility.

In today’s world humility appears to be anti-culture and anti-success.

In Gods world however, we become better people when we put our pride aside and everything else and totally rely on Him.

God humbled many biblical figures including Jacob. 

Genesis 32:31

“The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel and he was limping because of his hip.”

This physical disability was a sign of his new humility for the proud, self sufficient, quick witted Jacob.

Similar stories are found in the lives of Simon Peter and Sauls conversion to Paul. 

Paul would later write about the thorn in his flesh.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 And 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.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And 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.

10 Therefore 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.

No one would want to go through life with a disability or ailment to keep them humble, but God knows what we need and that our dependence on Him instead on ourselves is our greatest strength.

The sun was rising on Jacob as he limped away. He had a new ailment but also a new identity, a new name and a new intimacy with God. 

What do you need from God right now? Continue to wrestle and do not let go of God until you find that blessing that you need.

Let the afflictions which pains us so grievously become instructive lessons, teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ. Let us be encouraged by the thought that the Lord is soon to come. Let this hope gladden our hearts.

" Look upon upon Zion....the city of our anointed feasts.... your eyes will see Jerusalem,a  quiet home"_ blessings🙏🏽