2007-02-15 19:54:46 · 8 answers · asked by Lover of God 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree. God sees and thinks in the realm of eternity. We see the very tiny here and now and that's about all we tend to understand. But God knows the end from the beginning. So there are times that to develop and mature us, or to teach us how to be effective in spiritual warfare, or to draw us closer to Him, or in Paul's case to keep us humble, He allows adverse conditions to remain even when we ask for them to be removed. Once we have overcome, or learned, or accomplished the goal, many times God will then remove the adversity. In Paul's case it was life-long. Of course he is certainly free of it now!!
2007-02-15 20:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by wd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Paul's thorn in the flesh was not removed for the purpose of preserving his humility. We don't know if Paul was humble. The Bible does say Paul was exalted:
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Paul was exalted, but the thorn caused him not to be exalted above measure. We all have a measure with which to know and serve God. God allows circumstances in which we experience pain, problems, sufferings like everyone else, but the difference is, we are supplied by an overcoming life. We are trained and perfected in all the situations in order that we would trust and hope in God in everything.
Romans 5:3-4 (King James Version)
3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
2007-02-15 19:58:30 · answer #2 · answered by lindakflowers 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paul asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh but God denied him saying his strength is perfected in weakness. It is a spiritual (a messenger of Satan to buffet him) and not a natural affliction.
Jesus took our afflictions on the cross so that we shall not suffer them. I do not believe that God will do anything to nullify His Son's work on the cross. No, our afflictions tell us that our old man is still not crucified in Christ and we are not yet living the life of the new creation in Christ. 2 Cor 5:17 - old things (this include physical afflictions) have passed away, behold all things have become new - have not happened in our lives.
2007-02-15 20:19:50 · answer #3 · answered by seekfind 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many do serve God while suffering afflictions but i have not seen in scripture where God wants any to suffer afflictions.
i also do not find scripture to say that ones humility is based on what afflictions may be suffered.
all one would have to do is show their afflictions and someone would note how humble and righteous they are. then people being human, the exercise would grow to a matter of pride.
afflictions are no guarantee of humility. and.. doesnt obedience to do God's will show one's humility.. and not how well one endures affliction?
2007-02-15 20:52:55 · answer #4 · answered by opalist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, many have speculated about Paul`s thorn in the flesh but no one really knows what this was exactly, that it involved suffering is clear though, suffering is humbling and means that we have to give up pride, and depend on the aid of others.
When we are young and strong we look to ourselves with great independence but as we grow old and suffer more and more ailments we have to rely on others help.
2007-02-15 20:37:06 · answer #5 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Islam: Saint Paul was disguised jew and jeopardised christianity and bibles.
2007-02-15 20:02:54 · answer #6 · answered by Punter 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
yes God will allow us to suffer so we will be humbled&come to Him
2007-02-15 19:58:25 · answer #7 · answered by Maurice H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of them, yes but not forever.
2007-02-15 19:59:01 · answer #8 · answered by rezany 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋