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I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 2 Corinthians 12:2
D.L. MOODY
Some people have wondered what the third heaven means. That is where God dwells and where the storms do not come. There sits the incorruptible Judge. Paul, when he was caught up there, heard things that it was not lawful for him to utter, and he saw things that he could not speak of down here. The higher up we get in spiritual matters, the nearer we seem to heaven. There our wishes are fulfilled at last.
ERWIN LUTZER
There are people today who claim to have been taken to heaven and returned to Earth to tell us all about what they saw. When this happened to Paul, he kept it quiet; he did not speak of it, lest it tempt him into pride.
In fact, today’s verse is actually in the context of his “thorn in the flesh” given to him to keep him humble. And even though he begged God for it to be taken away, God did not, but instead gave Paul a sufficient substitute, namely grace to bear his trial (see 2 Corinthians 12:1–10).
Trials are specifically chosen for us. Paul was given his “thorn” by God; it was what Paul needed. But his thorn was not a detriment to his ministry; it was used by God to enhance his ministry. God’s strength was perfected in Paul’s weakness.
We will have to wait until we die to have the experience of the “third heaven.” But while on Earth, we must learn from Paul to accept what we cannot change and that any impediment can be used for the glory of God. God is not indifferent to our needs; He often does not give us what we ask, but He has promised grace to bear whatever He gives us.
Someday, when we arrive at the third heaven, we will see that it has been worth it all.
PRAYER
Father, until I see you face to face, let me say with Bernard of Clairvaux, “Jesus, the very thought of Thee, with sweetness fills my breast; but sweeter far Thy face to see, and in Thy presence rest.”REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why does God sometimes choose to provide the grace to endure a trial rather than removing the "thorn" as we requested?In what ways can a personal weakness or physical impediment actually enhance your ministry rather than hinder it?