It is said that demons were sent to win souls away from God. One by one they were questioned by the demon-in-chief on the strategy each would use. One said that he would convince the world that there is no hell--and he is successful in his missionary work. Many souls are lost. A second demon said that he would convince the world that there is no heaven. Again, he is successful in winning souls away from God. A third said that he would convince the world that there is no hurry. And he is the most successful of all in winning souls away from God.

Who can deliver me from this bondage when we pray, “Deliver us from evil?”: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:25). Paul came to this realization after much struggle with a particular situation in his life, which he identified as a thorn in his side.

Having acknowledged the spiritual revelations he had been given by God, he also admitted his struggles.  “Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated,  a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times * I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 126-10).

No matter the thorn in our side, there is still only one who can save us and that is Jesus! (To be continued)