“. . . a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Chained Or Grounded?

Have you ever wondered why God delivers some people from unhealthy lifestyles or uncomfortable conditions while others He allows to continually struggle?

For example, I had a friend who, before Christ, had a pretty serious drinking habit, but even after giving his life to the Lord, he still had to regularly resist the urge to drink. He commented that he knew of some people who had been totally set free from such tendencies and he often wondered why God had chosen not to do so for him.

Even though the Lord has done (and continues to do) amazing things in my life, like my friend, there are still areas in my life against which I consistently battle.

So what is the difference between being chained and being grounded? Being chained conjures up images of enslavement, bondage, defeat, and hopelessness, serving a cruel taskmaster. Grounded, on the other hand, is like a boat anchored in a safe harbor, protected and kept from drifting away; or like a kite that soars high in a brisk breeze, or dances and dives wildly in the gusts, but is grounded by the string, secure in the hand of the kite flyer.

In Paul’s case, the Lord was protecting him from a spirit of pride after his experience of being caught up to the third heaven. And like Paul, I often ask God to remove that “thorn in the flesh.” I’ll think about all the “if onlys”, feel sorry for myself, grumble about it, and allow Satan to discourage and tempt me (which keeps me chained), or I can realize that God is using it for good (to keep me grounded). By my trusting that He will do what He knows is best results in my freedom, security, and contentment—to accept, like Paul, whatever He brings or allows.

Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34 ). Therefore we must ask Him to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24) and reveal any unconfessed sin (in thought, word, or deed) that may be restricting our freedom. If we allow that well-intended “thorn” to fester into sin (i.e. anger, bitterness, self-pity, resentment, etc.), it becomes a chain, keeping us in bondage. I choose to be free and grounded in Him, relying on His grace that is more than sufficient for me!

“Lord, You are able to make all grace abound towards me, so that I, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Thank You for the comfort, freedom, and security that brings to me! Amen.”