already and not yet
I like some of my devotions by asking questions, this is from grok:
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (Classic Example) “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
How Paul dealt with it:
- He prayed persistently but accepted God’s “no.”
- He learned to boast in weakness because it displayed Christ’s power.
- He continued his ministry powerfully despite the chronic issue.
Paul (again): “ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) He called these “light and momentary troubles” compared to the eternal glory coming (2 Corinthians 4:17)Anchor in the “already” (Holy Spirit, forgiveness, community, power for today).
Common Apostolic Pattern for Perseverance
- Acknowledge the pain honestly (they didn’t pretend it didn’t hurt).
- Anchor in the “already” (Holy Spirit, forgiveness, community, power for today).
- Fix hope on the “not yet” (Christ’s return, resurrection, no more suffering).
- Choose obedience and faithfulness in the middle.
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Keep praying about your struggle (health, weakness, situation, etc.).
- Be honest with God about how hard it is.
- When it becomes clear God is not removing it right now, ask: “How can Your power be displayed in this weakness?”
- Move from “Please fix this” to “I will rely on Your grace in this.”
