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DAILY DEVOTION

2/2/2021

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"A Plea to Escape or Lesson of Endurance?"2 Corinthians 12:8
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

Thoughts for Today:In our previous passage, Paul spoke of a "thorn in the flesh". What was the thorn that caused him so much discomfort? We don't know for certain; however Bible commentators have speculated that it might have been some sort of eye disease, malaria, or possibly the long term implications of a previous injury. Paul traveled extensively, so he may have contracted a foreign illness, not to mention he was beaten several times, stoned, robbed, and shipwrecked. His "thorn" could have come from any one (or a combination) of these incidents.

There is one thing we do know for certain -- the thorn he speaks of was no small matter. According to Strong's Lexicon, the Greek word SKOLOPS (translated as "thorn"), is the same term used for tent stakes -- those eighteen-inch long spikes of wood used to anchor tents against the strong desert winds. So the "thorn" Paul speaks of was more like walking around with a large butcher knife sticking out of his side, rather than a splinter stuck in the palm of his hand. I think the significance of Paul's physical distress was lost in the translation.

Questions to Ponder:It is interesting to me that Paul prayed three times for the Lord to take away his pain/discomfort. The average Christian has no idea how many times he or she has prayed about something. In fact, we will usually pray incessantly over the same issue. On the other hand, it seems as if three times was a lot for Paul. Why? Perhaps Paul found the Lord's answer in learning how to endure, rather than escape. What relief have you been seeking from the Lord? Has He already provided His answer? Have you accepted His comfort and will -- and not your own?

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    Bio: Toni Smothers has written articles for “Total Health”, “Let’s Live”, “People In Action” and “The North American Mentor” magazines.  She is a member of the Faithwriters.com writing community and was previously the editor for the teen section of their on-line magazine. She has written many programs, sermons, and skits and has edited several websites. Additionally, she has answered hundreds of questions for GotQuestions.org, a biblical resource site. Here is just one of their many testimonials: "Thank you for this insightful website! I was able to look up many questions I have asked over the years since becoming saved. The site is easy to navigate and gave me so much biblical background for answers that I feel my armor has been strengthened. You and your staff be encouraged to continue to speak the truth for God's glory." When Toni is not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her 5 pound, furry, Chihuahua muse, “Princess Sweet Pea.” Toni Smothers studied homeopathy extensively and became a proficient layman. She wrote about homeopathy for “Total Health” and “Let’s Live” magazines. Smothers describes her experience befriending a refugee family from Laos in her article published in the travel magazine, “People in Action.” Additionally, “American Mentor” magazine has published some of her poetry. Smothers drew upon her fun experiences as a youth pastor to provide the needed insight to function as the editor of the teen section of “Faithwriters” magazine and she is a member of the Faithwriters.com writer’s community. 

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