A Glorious Paradox

"Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside by body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell" (2 Corinthians 12:3-4 NLB).

What purpose did God have in translating Paul into heaven to hear wonderful things... then silencing him? The Apostle heard, understood, and most likely saw unfathomable mysteries... why, because God was preparing him for his life-purpose. Paul was destined to change the world. Unfortunately, however, he had to enter into blindness before he could see. God still speaks today . . . yet, we cannot always hear.

Pondering

What purpose is there in baffling us with things we do not understand? The Word is our manual for life, so why do we often struggle to understand many of its verses?

If the Lord freely reveals mysteries to those He chooses, even though we are unworthy, would God actually reveal mysteries to someone . . . like me?

"Jesus said to the people who believer in him, you are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings, And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32 NLB).

Coaching

Life is a paradox. For instance, we are sorrowful, yet rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10). Strong, when weak (2 Corinthians 12:10). Our bodies are dying, yet renewed (2 Corinthians 4). We see the unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18).

The constant renewing of our mind creates in us a mental toolbox for our spiritual arsenal. This toolbox helps us from repeating the same mistakes. Through preparation, our heart becomes ready for the Holy Spirit. Alone, we are not in control and often repeat the same sins. We are sinners, yet forgiven.

Our pathway to growth... is in a choice to live within the design of renewing our mind based on God's command. However, it is hard to achieve unless we employ prayer and Scripture on a regular basis. If we continually feed our spirit, the Holy Spirit opens us to God's promise, "you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

There are no mistakes in God's Word. We can understand every word in the Bible including mysteries-truths. Our life-purpose lies within our thinking and readiness to receive it. The truth begins with the death of pride... and the birth of humility.

Satan is a deceiver when he whispers, "let's not read the Bible tonight, too much to do and so little time." The deceiver used our mind to distract us from our purpose. Gradually, by renewing our mind we allow God to reveal His purpose for us. Paul was strong when he was weak in his many trials. Although, in the beginning he was forced to face his destiny through blindness before he could see.

"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit" (Galatians 6:9 NLB).

A farmer plants and waters, however life-giving nutrients come from the sun. When crops produce the farmer gathers. The Holy Spirit plants and waters as we participate in prayer and the Word, but the nutrients come from Jesus, the Son. When ready to produce the Father gathers and directs us in fulfilling our purpose.

Spiritual richness cannot grow in sinful soil. When we take in the rich nutrients the Word provides growth, the Son guides through the Spirit, and reveals our purpose. However, we have to become empty to be full... it is a paradox.

Jesus, a Glorious Paradox:

• He hungered, yet fed multitudes (Matthew 4:2)
• He was thirsty, yet is the water of life (John 19:28)
• He became tired, yet is our rest (John 4:6)
• He prayed, yet hears our prayers (Mark 14:32-44)
• He wept, yet dries our tears (John 11:35)

We are unworthy to obtain mystery-truths, yet God reveals them to those who want to find their life-purpose.

The Door to Finding Purpose:

• Continual surrender - releasing pride (James 4:6)
• Continual renewing our mind - a choice (2 Corinthians 11:3)
• Continual prayer - worship is a command (Psalms 44 & 86)
• Continually in His Word - daily (Proverbs 1:7)

Forbidden to reveal the wonders of heaven Paul remained humble not boasting of his heavenly experience. God's purpose for Paul's unearthly journey was in preparing the great Christian leader to bring salvation to the world.

Challenge

Can you surrender to the Shepherd, who is King. We cannot find our purpose alone, or until the sin-soil becomes clean, ready for planting. Are you willing to become empty, yet full... blind, yet see. Jesus Christ is... a glorious paradox.

Comments

[DLynne]

Love this message! Thanks!

[Jillian Macdonald]

Wow! I didn't realize how many paradoxes were in the Bible. What a challenge it is to surrender to Him and to become empty so that He can fill us up! Something I need to examine more closely.