God had “given” Paul the “thorn,” so he would not exalt himself after the great revelations God had given him. {Read 2 Cor 12:7}. The “thorn,” was compared to a weapon of wood that was sharpened down at one end with the goal to impale, torture, someone. This was no “rose thorn” this was a serious “thorn!” He also says he was “buffeted” the word speaks of “knuckles and a closed fist.” Paul was saying this “thorn” and “buffet, torment” was hammering him and pummeling him! He wanted it gone. What did he do? He prays, “I entreated, implored.” The word used in the Gospels is used of appeals of someone who was sick, pleading to God who alone could help. Pleading, calling for Him to come aside and help, crying out to God. HERE IS A SIMPLE POINT, BUT IS HUGE. IT IS FUNDAMENTAL YOU UNDERSTAND AND PRACTICE! When tough times come to you, immediately take it to the LORD in prayer. Run to Jesus. Talk to Him. Tell Him your troubles and requests. {Read 2 Cor 12:8}. How often when difficulties come into our life we run to others, or to food to comfort. Or somewhere else. We fail to take it to Jesus. We stress. We are restless, sometimes irritable. We fail to run to Jesus in prayer. We fail to immediately take our trouble to Jesus and pray to Him. Speak to Him about it. This is to be the first thing- Take it to the LORD in prayer! Run to Jesus- Receive from Jesus- Rejoice in Jesus – Rest in Jesus -Keep Jesus before you and know it will work out for your spiritual gain and His glory and the benefit of others. Jesus can be trusted, with and in your troubles! When troubles come, do the first thing, take it to the LORD in prayer! Do you have troubles? Have you taken it to Him in prayer? Paul did, you can too. He is the Answer!
THE FIRST THING TO DO IN TROUBLE? TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER, and LEAVE it with Him!
{from message Paul’s Thorn- The First Thing To Do in troubles- Take It to the Lord in prayer}