Satan’s master key to provoke the stumbling of any of God’s chosen vessels is the phrase ‘if you’ (see Luke 4:3,7,9). Self-promotion was and still remains a potent tool against every minister of the gospel of Christ. It is always so easy to fall into the “I-syndrome” in illustrating God’s acts in our lives. It’s a point to carefully consider!  We can be provoked to this by the enemy of our soul, Satan, or by the provocation of the followership that we minister to. Such was the situation Paul spoke to in our text for today.

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 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. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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. 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. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 2 Corinthians 12:6-11

To boast is be reckoned a fool; boasting is gateway to lying and self-exaltation! The gravity of negativeness of boasting is expressed in the counter-weight God puts on us as expressed by Paul in verse 7, an affliction to keep us humble and dependent upon God! Note verse 9 in particular. Never let anyone or any situation draw you into boasting or comparing yourself with others!

My medium of thriving is in the ocean of your grace, O Lord. I must ever be mindful of this; and never abandon this. O Lord, I need You in my life every day. Grace is like electricity and to function effectively I must remain plugged in remembering John 15:4-5.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4-5

Think on this. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele