“…though I might desire to boast…I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be…And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a MESSENGER OF SATAN to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure…I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart…He said to me, “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore MOST GLADLY I WILL RATHER BOAST IN MY INFIRMITIES, that THE POWER OF CHRIST MAY REST UPON ME. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.” (2 Corin. 12:6-10)
Remember how Saul, as Paul was called before his marvelous conversion, was knocked to the ground and called out by the Lord, became blinded for three days, was healed by Ananias. Paul did not get to spend three years with the Lord as the others did, now it was his turn. Then Paul said, “…when it pleased God, who…called me through His grace, TO REVEAL HIS SON IN ME…” (Gal. 1:15-18) Paul said I, “…was CAUGHT UP into Paradise and heard inexpressible (indescribable) words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corin. 12:4) Paul spent the next three years praying, seeking and learning about Jesus from Jesus…We can experience this divine intimacy with God by LOVING (agapē) Him with OUR ALL and passionately seeking Him!
PAUL IS A CHOSEN VESSEL OF MINE TO BEAR MY NAME BEFORE GENTILES, KINGS, AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL…(Acts 9:15)
-Bill Stockham