When God Says No
Richard Bradley
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul reminded us in Philippians 4:6-7 that we should pray about everything and not worry about anything. It was his premise that believing prayer will always eliminate worry. In fact, it's impossible to pray and worry at the same time because trust is one of the key elements of believing prayer. According to today's text Paul had a problem and he did what we should always do; he prayed.
It's not that Paul didn't pray; he did. It's not that God wasn't listening; He was. It's not that the Lord didn't answer; He did. From Paul's perspective, the only problem was that He didn't get the answer he was hoping for. That happens sometimes. Sometimes God says no. The question is, ''how should we respond when God says no?
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows - 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. 7 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. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, ''My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'' Therefore most gladly I will rather b ...
Richard Bradley
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul reminded us in Philippians 4:6-7 that we should pray about everything and not worry about anything. It was his premise that believing prayer will always eliminate worry. In fact, it's impossible to pray and worry at the same time because trust is one of the key elements of believing prayer. According to today's text Paul had a problem and he did what we should always do; he prayed.
It's not that Paul didn't pray; he did. It's not that God wasn't listening; He was. It's not that the Lord didn't answer; He did. From Paul's perspective, the only problem was that He didn't get the answer he was hoping for. That happens sometimes. Sometimes God says no. The question is, ''how should we respond when God says no?
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows - 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. 7 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. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, ''My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'' Therefore most gladly I will rather b ...
There are 5940 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
