2 Corinthians 12:7-8 - ...Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given 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.
These words were written by Apostle Paul and for a long time, they made me scratch my head. Why would the Lord send someone or something to "torment" him? Why would such a great servant of God have to repeatedly ask to be free from his tormentor? It's hard for me to believe that this happened to Paul because he was being punished. It's not impossible, just hard to believe. So, we come back to the original question - why the need for the tormentor.
Over time, the Lord kindly opened my eyes to understand a few things. God will give His faithful servants something to endure, a tormentor of sorts. His servants have to rely on His grace to get through. They can't lean on their own understanding or prior experiences. One way the Lord clarified things to me was through an experience from a few years ago.
I was on a trip to a nearby state when a serious rain storm came out of nowhere. It was around 8pm at night and suddenly, visibility was zero. I couldn't see any cars on my sides, ahead or behind me. I turned on my hazards. While I could see a pair of flashing red lights in front of me, because of the amount of rain, I couldn't adequately gauge how far it was. Yet, I couldn't stop as I was on a highway and stopping would have meant an accident. I also couldn't pull over as I wasn't sure whether a car was beside me.
All I could do was keep going, trusting the Lord would bring me through the storm. And, glory to His name, He did.
This is what it means to rely on His grace when a tormentor, a test, or a trial arrives in your life. Don't stop moving with the Lord. Don't stop trusting Him. Definitely don't pull over. Move forward, relying on your Creator.
And this is a reason why God will allow for a tormentor in our lives - to teach us to rely on Him and Him alone. These experiences are never easy, but they are meant to teach us lessons, toughen us up, and equip us to serve Him in some way or another. If we switch our perspective, we'll realize God won't put us through something we are incapable of getting through victoriously. So, if He says you're up for job, you're good! Trusting in Him is the key to get through. I know He's teaching me this and I pray you will receive this message too.
May the Lord continue to help each of us as we deal with the tormentor trying to test us. May His grace remind us that He will never forsake us, no matter the trial we face. For He has promised that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, IJMN, Amen.
Here are some helpful older P&P posts:
Trust God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) June 30, 2020
Being Tested - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) September 29, 2020
When Things Go Wrong - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) October 13, 2020
Muscle Memory - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) January 26, 2021
Wait on God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) May 18, 2021
Viable Seeds - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) June 29, 2021
He is For Me - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) August 10, 2021
God's Discipline - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 16, 2022
The Tormentor - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) October 7, 2022
From BI- Almighty God, I come to You praying against gun violence. Lord, bind up the wounds of all who suffer from gun violence, those maimed and those that are grieving. Bless them with Your presence and transcending peace. Lord, help us to remember we are all Your children, created in Your image. Bless Your children with the courage to put down weapons and pick up the word of God. Lord Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, make all men, women and children witnesses of truth and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Bless Your children with the strength to not give in to the fear that nothing can be done. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with Your children all over the world IJMN Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, please take all the glory for this hour of fellowship. Thank You, once again, for bringing us together today. I call on You to please receive our praises as a sweet-smelling incense and our may our prayers be pleasing to Your ears. IJMN, Amen.
On behalf of today's participants, I lift up 2 Peter 1:2 - Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Father, I pray for Your grace and peace in the lives of Your people. That as they experience any tormentor, Your blessed presence will enable them to hold onto You and come out as a worthy vessel for Your glory, IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
So, have you ever felt like Paul did in 2 Corinthians 12? Did you think there was something or someone sent to torment your life? Did you pray to God for help but saw none materialize?
Paul's experience is a reminder that God puts us through experiences for our good. Imagine, although Paul didn't enjoy having to deal with the tormentor in his life, the result was he heard from the Lord. And what did God say? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
That might not be what you want to hear when you're dealing with a tough situation, but God wants each of us to rely on Him. He requires us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). He never promised it would be easy, but He promised that no matter what, He'll be right by our side (Isaiah 41:9).
Today, let us recommit ourselves to trusting the Lord and waiting for His grace as we deal with anything that torments us.
Jehovah Shalom, thank You for being the God of all things. Our Father and our Defender. Dear Lord, You have allowed us to face different trials but we thank You for no matter what Your word remains true. You are faithful to save and Your plans for us are for good and not evil for we love You and are called according to Your plan.
Grant us grace, dear Lord, to remember that in the tough times, we need to keep moving with You. We need not stop, pull over, or slow down, but keep our eyes on You to go forward until You get us to our destination safely. IJMN, Amen.
Lord, our Savior Jesus noted that we human beings will not believe without seeing signs and wonders. Lord, we know this is not good and I repent on behalf of myself and others who are this way. Father, please have mercy and wash us clean of iniquity, IJMN, Amen.
Still, what the Savior said was true, God. And so, I lift up John 14:11 - Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
Sovereign Lord, in Your mercy, let people see Your works. That the unbelieving will believe and the unseeing will see. There are so many who have not experienced Your goodness and do not believe it can ever touch them. God, please, I cry out for a change. That hearts will clamor for more of You not just for miracles but for a genuine relationship with You. And that hearts of stone are replaced with hearts of flesh that beat for You, IJMN, Amen.
*From BI* - Almighty God, I come to You praying against gun violence. Lord, bind up the wounds of all who suffer from gun violence, those maimed and those that are grieving. Bless them with Your presence and transcending peace. Lord, help us to remember we are all Your children, created in Your image. Bless Your children with the courage to put down weapons and pick up the word of God. Lord Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, make all men, women and children witnesses of truth and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Bless Your children with the strength to not give in to the fear that nothing can be done. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with Your children all over the world IJMN Amen.
Father, we rely on You for guidance.
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 nkjv
Great God, we cry out to You, He who formed our innermost being (ps. 139:13) and knows our spirits (prov. 20:27). Please speak to Your children and reveal to them what they need to know. May Your people heed Your wisdom and be blessed.
IJMN amen.
From sis @MamaFatCheeks - Good morning and Happy Friday! Just checking in before infusion. Give my love to the Peppers!
*From AW* - Today I'm praying for a sick friend "FS" dealing with a mystery illness that has yet to be diagnosed. I am trusting God for a favorable outcome.
*From BGB* - Thank you I really needed this. My boyfriend and I going through some major issues, I hope we make it through. I've been praying for a sign to stay or leave and maybe this is the sign. I'm just confused, weary, and everything above. I know if it's God's will we'll remain. Guys please keep me in your prayers.
🎶 called out music -- no better day
King Jesus! Hello, my Lord.
Praise be to God, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19). My King, I place before You, the matters of those who are being plagued with worries about issues in their lives. Mighty One, let it be that Your words are soon fulfilled in their lives, since as You have spoken, so it shall be. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Lord, please help us to rely on Jesus and to rest all our hopes in His Holy Name. For in so doing, we rely on You, the King of kings and the ultimate authority. Help us to not feel self-dependent but to humble ourselves before You God, IJMN, Amen.
PRAYER
Got the name of people you're praying for? Or will you be praying on issues such as your school, your nation, the poor, the sick?
Whoever or whatever you are praying for, the time is now.
Let us pray for others.
*From AC* - Abba, this is the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it! To you I give all glory! In Jesus' name. Amen!
Today is a Fred Hammond get your praise on, day over here
Thank You for life, good God. You who are worthy of our praise go out of Your way to bless each of us and we are grateful.
Thank You for Your grace and for being the Lord who allows His "sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45).
Thank You for showing kindness to all!
Hallelujah!
From PBS - THANK YOU JESUS FOR CALVARY!
THANK YOU JESUS FOR TAKING MY PLACE ON THE CROSS!
THANK YOU JESUS FOR DESTROYING ALL OF THE ENEMY’S POWER!
THANK YOU FOR GIVING THE KEYS OF VICTORY OVER SIN AND DEATH!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESURRECTION!
THANK YOU JESUS FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT!
THANK YOU JESUS FOR BREAKTHROUGHS, MIRACLES, BLESSINGS, LOVE, AND ETERNAL LIFE!
THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR NAME THAT IS ABOVE ALL NAMES!
THANK YOU JESUS FOR UNIFYING US WITH THE FATHER.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Thank you Lord! Oh magnify the Lord, He is Worthy of All Praise!
1 Chronicles 29:11-13 -
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
*From BI* - Thank You Lord for all You have done for me, all You are doing for me and all You are going to do for me. All glory, honour and power belongs to You my Abba Father.
From AW - Father God, thank you for seeing my family through many challenges this year. We could not have done it without your grace and mercy.
Guys, the Lord is talking to me today through music and I just have it on my heart to share this with you all. If this song is meant for you, please just thank the Lord Almighty. This is a promise for you. His dreams for you are coming.
It’s a been a long time coming
I almost gave up
I spent a long time running
I almost lost hope
But glimpses of the future kept that fire burning deep inside
Your words of affirmation let me know that I was right on time
I just had to surrender my dreams for Yours
I just had to surrender my will for Yours
Cause Your dreams for me are bigger than I can imagine
Your dreams for me are bigger, yes they are
Your dreams for me are bigger than I can imagine
Your dreams for me are bigger, yes they are
Spent a long time fighting against these odds
Spent a long time doubting if I was good enough
But glimpses of the future kept that passion burning deep inside
Your words of affirmation reminded me I’m a child of God
I just had to surrender my dreams for Yours
I just had to surrender my plans for Yours
What You have for me is for me
And can’t no one take that away, that away
The plans You made for me are perfect
So I will trust You and obey, and obey
From AW - Hey y'all. I'm so weary today.
I had oral surgery earlier this week. I was in pain for 2 weeks before the surgery (waiting for a surgery date to open up), so that's 3 weeks of pain. Today it's hurting so bad I can barely think straight.
I'm still here and will be joining you all today, pain and all.