Daily Worship

I feel it all

Rhona Cathcart July 12, 2018 0 0
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Image credit: Pixabay

2 Corinthians 12: 2-10

2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3 And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

It’s not that my problems and flaws are that big, Lord, 

there’s just so many of them. 

I can’t boast of a big thorn like Paul, 

it’s more like a lot of little needles.

 

I’m not sure I care for your holy acupuncture. 

I’d been kind of hoping faith would be like a miracle pill 

difficult to swallow, but then easily digested. 

 

Instead I feel you working in me, with me.

I feel the sharp jab of justice, the fiery prickle of righteousness, 

the glowing heat of mercy, 

bringing to the surface the power which has always been in me.

 

I realise there is no quick-fix prescription.

I allow myself to be caught up in your inexpressible alternative path of love. 

I burn. I heal. I am strong.