Leviticus 24:1-23; Psalms 137:1-138:8; Mark 9:33-50
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7
It’s great to know that God has a plan and purpose for my life. But sometimes in order for us to be equipped to fulfill that plan we may be given an irritating thorn in the flesh. Once Paul discovered the purpose of this difficulty, he stopped praying for it to be removed but rather embraced it as a friend. It’s hard to believe but even the attacks of the evil one can be used of the Lord to mold us into the vessel He wants us to be. —Sid Halsband
O let my life be given, my years for Thee be spent;
World-fetters all be riven, and joy with suffering blent. —F. Havergal