I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Dear God, I think the key to this passage isn’t the part about the third heaven or the thorn, but the phrase, “to keep me from becoming proud.” Oh, how pride is a downfall for so many.

As I prepare for my sermon this Sunday, I’ve been thinking about David and what his life might have been if Samuel had never anointed him king. Would he have avoided some of the sins of his life? Might he have been the next “judge” of Israel after Samuel? But with being king comes a lot of power and pride.

I certainly know pride can be something for me, and goodness knows I have the flaws, vices, and “thorns” to help keep it in check, but it’s still a continuous struggle.

Here’s a confession. I’ve been jealous of some people who are my age lately. I learned of three people lately who have done some amazing things in their careers and it’s made me feel less than. I thought about this last night. It’s as if I’m thinking the life you’ve lead me on isn’t good enough for me. I’m sorry for that. The only reason I would want to trade for those lives is power and prestige. The vanity of those jobs is the only thing about them that attracts me, and it really reveals how shallow and selfish I can be.

Father, thank you for where you’ve lead me. Thank you for forgiving my foolishness. Thank you for overlooking my weaknesses and my missed opportunities. Thank you for forgiving my sin. As I turn my eyes upon you and look full in your wonderful face, the things of earth do grow strangely dim in the light of your glory and grace.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen