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TODAY'S READING:

- 2 Corinthians 11:1 - 13:13, Acts 20:7 - 12

WORD OF THE DAY:

- Thorn

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians remind us of his tireless devotion to the Gospel. Despite false apostles leading the Corinthians astray, Paul defends his ministry not with pride but through humility.

2 Corinthians 11:30:“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”

Paul highlights his hardships: shipwrecks, beatings, hunger, and dangers from all sides. Yet, in these trials, he found Christ’s strength.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul reveals a personal struggle—a “thorn in the flesh” given to keep him humble. Despite pleading with God to remove it, Paul receives this answer:“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (12:9)

This profound truth encourages us to embrace our weaknesses as opportunities for God’s strength to shine through. Paul even declares:“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul’s final words to the Corinthians include an urgent call to self-examination:2 Corinthians 13:5:“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

Paul desires maturity and unity among the believers, encouraging them to stand firm in truth, live in peace, and grow in harmony. He concludes with this blessing:“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

In Acts 20, Paul preaches late into the night as he prepares to depart. During this extended session, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep, tumbles from a third-story window, and dies. But Paul, through God’s power, brings him back to life. Amazingly, Paul continues preaching until dawn.

This episode reminds us of the urgency and dedication with which Paul shared the Gospel, even amidst miraculous events.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul’s “thorn” teaches us the profound impact of trials in our lives. Thorns can humble us, refine us, and draw us closer to God.

Thorns serve two key purposes:

Hindering Pride: Paul’s thorn kept him grounded despite extraordinary spiritual experiences. It reminded him that his strength was in Christ alone.
Deepening Dependence: Thorns can force us to rely on God’s grace. In our weaknesses, we experience His strength.

Paul’s response to his thorn is a model for us:

He did not let it hinder his faith.
He viewed it as discipline that kept him on the path of righteousness.
He found joy in knowing God’s grace was sufficient.

2 Corinthians 12:10:“For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

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Day 336 - Overcoming Our Thorns (2 Corinthians 11, 2 Corinthians 12, 2 Corinthians 13, Acts 20) Year 2 19:40 Share

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Day 336 - Overcoming Our Thorns (2 Corinthians 11, 2 Corinthians 12, 2 Corinthians 13, Acts 20) Year 2