II Corinthians 12:7-10

Psalms 19:14, Psalm 139:23-23

Paul’s Attitude towards God’s Response to the Thorn

Paul had prayed three times to have his thorn removed, but God denied him the ease he needed from the discomfort of the thorn in his flesh (II Corinthians 12:7). Instead, God presented him with an alternative, which is the sufficiency of His grace (II Corinthians 12:9 “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).” What would you have done during such a troubling physical situation? You are bothered continuously every day by this condition, which makes you uncomfortable and unable to rest? What would you have said after praying three times and receiving such a response? When we view Paul’s response, his attitude was submissiveness and humble, acknowledging the Mighty God Who holds his breath in his hands. He accepted what was offered to him as an answer from the Lord. Not only did Paul humbly accept the Lord’s will, but he subjected himself to other situations which would also have been uncomfortable for him.

Nevertheless, he was willing to suffer to please God noting that “when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). This is faith in one of its finest hours.  We cannot accept God’s provision for us regardless of what that might be without faith, especially in a situation such as Paul’s. There are people who are suffering for Christ daily; physically, financially, and in so many other ways. Yet, they dare to trust His wisdom and will for their lives. They, too, no doubt have prayed, but it seems as if heaven becomes brass at times. Still, they continue to trust in God, Who does not fail even when we cannot understand all the way He will lead us. This is difficult to understand for the unsaved or those who follow Christ according to their own rules. Only the dedicated who have experienced similar situations and are still living for Christ without the expected answers to their prayers can testify of the sufficiency of God’s grace.

Our Attitude towards Unexpected Answers to Prayer

When are troubled concerning God’s response to our prayers, we should pay attention to what we say; and the thoughts which come to our minds; especially about God or life itself. Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Therefore, we must be cautious of the words we use because they have life and will cause us more damage than the unanswered prayer. Another most vital and important factor relates to the thoughts which we generate about God and His word. We can easily drift into doubt and unbelief while our faith evaporates.

In those times we sink into complacency and even anger because from our perspectives, God has failed us! This is where the word in Psalm 19:14 should really come into mind to awaken our faith and cause us to trust in God and to avoid speaking or thinking anything which is unacceptable to Him. With relation to our thoughts David also wrote, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). The fact that we did not receive the answer which we expected should never cause us to speak ill against God because He has reasons why He withhold even what we deem to be good for us; yet God says “No.” What are the thoughts which come to our minds about God, life, and the situation? Do we become vengeful and neglect our duties towards God’s calling on our lives? Some pastors are leaving the ministry for whatever reasons.

In the text the writer is saying, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” This seems impossible when we have trying situations before us. What may seem a tremendous task to face, a mountain of difficulties to overcome, and many insurmountable situations. Still, God is saying, “I will give you grace to bear it” or some other alternative answer. Do we accept His wisdom or complain and become weary and neglectful in our duties? How do we respond to God’s wisdom?

The next passage which comes to mind is Psalm 139:23-24. Once again, we are reminded of our attitude towards God when life turns a different way from what we had expected. We may not speak out our thoughts; but they are there in our consciousness and we ruminate over them frequently especially when we see others progressing, but we are not. We wonder why God has held us back. We pray and sometimes no answer comes. If in those times we remember the word of God concerning His character and principles in Psalm 12:6, we would like Paul, rest upon His wisdom and direction for our lives. We have to trust God’s will and not doubt His direction for our lives. Worry and anxiety torment us and sap our energy physically, while they deplete our trust, faith, and hope in a God Who cannot fail.

Therefore, we must ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts since there are hidden things in our subconscious which might emerge and cause more concerns than not having the expected answers to our prayers. After David had expressed his thoughts about the ungodly, he turned the light on himself recognizing that what they did or were doing, he was just as vulnerable to fall into the same pit. He prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if (there be any) wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24). If you are still fretting about unanswered prayers and charging God wrongfully, maybe you need to take another look at Paul, and pray the same prayers as David in Psalm 19:14; and Psalm 139:23-24.

2024 Shekinah Theological College
We welcome your comments.