Daily Thoughts

In the New Testament I read that sometimes the Lord gives us and infirmities so that we can triumph over them and become stronger. Apparently, Paul had a "thorn in the flesh" that he prayed three times for the Lord to remove. But the Lord did not see fit to do so, saying that his strength could be made perfect in weakness. Sometimes the Lord does heal us and take away our afflictions--but sometimes it's for our own best good that we endure and allow our infirmities to make us stronger. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 "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. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that while Jesus was hanging on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him. When we have trouble forgiving other people we need to ask ourselves if what they have done is anywhere near as bad as what those people were doing to Jesus--crucifying Him when He had done nothing to deserve it. The people we're called on to forgive have probably not done anything near as bad to us as what those people did to Jesus, in yet He forgave them. We need to follow His example and freely forgive those who have wronged us. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."