...Therefore, that I might not come too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to keep me from becoming too elated...for when I am weak, I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:7, 10 NAB (I recommend reading the entire passage)
All of us have a thorn - something physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual to try to keep us from the fullness of being Christ-like. All to keep us from "being too elated". "Elated" - what does that mean? Maybe boasting? Proudness? Something else? Maybe the meaning is different for everyone, dependent on the LORD' awareness of all we are. In my life, one of my thorns is a serious mental illness. I've been hospitalized. I've been on diability. The doctors said I'd never work again. Until then I'd been been proud of my intelligence - and made sure everyone knew about it. Of my ability to balance several things at once; things I wanted to be noticed for. When I went on disability, I was crushed. Nothing I'd known (except for a vague knowing of Christ) seemed important. I floundered for years, going to church after a while but feeling little, even when I prayed for things to change. Slowly I began to volunteeer at the church, little things then bigger. But I kept them to myself; accepting praise but not looking for it. I just thanked GOD. My prayers changed to thanksgiving. Yes, I still prayed for my needs - and my wants - but I was learning it was ok to wait. I've been working full-rime since 2006. My prayers are still of thanksgiving. Still I must take the medicine I hate. Every day. Still I must watch for the start of episodes. But I try to do things now I don't seek praise for. I have a better faith life, I believe, because GOD changed me through those long years of dryness. And I thank GOD.
