28th.: Sometimes the Answer is ‘No’.
Three times.
Three times, the apostle Paul asked Jesus for something.
Three times, God told him.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations,
there was given 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 [God] 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.” (2nd. Cor. 12:7-9).
It is written, “Knowledge puffs up.” (1st Cor. 8:1c).
The apostle Paul had perhaps more knowledge about the kingdom of God than any other person living.
It could cause him to become proud.
Pride would have rendered him useless for the kingdom. Therefore God allowed Paul to be afflicted, to keep him from going astray.
And, the Lord reminded Paul to simply be thankful for handing out salvation to Paul.
Paul therefore embraced his affliction.
He chose to have God’s power with him as he preached the gospel. A power, which pride would have taken away.
Do we have this same attitude?
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word.” (Ps. 119:67)