Exalted Above Measure

 2Corinth 12:7
​​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.

One of Paul’s temptations in his life was to think that he was someone great. He had reason to “brag” about himself. “Circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee;” (Phil 3:5.) He was brought up in the city at the feet of Gamaliel, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, a teacher of the law of Moses. He was charged by the high council with eliminating this new uprising of people who claim that Jesus was the Messiah. 
Paul was a man filled with the Holy Spirit, who consecrated his life to doing the work of God. He was not ruled by the carnal nature, he was a man sanctified wholly to do the will of God. Yet, he was tempted to think of himself more highly than others. Satan would tempt him to exalt himself above measure. To think his abilities were the driving force in spreading the gospel of Christ. Being sanctified does not immune one from temptation. Satan works to scatter the power of God’s people (Dan 12:7) and sees those who have great influence fall. God was faithful to send Paul a “throne in the flesh”, something that would affect his humanity. Causing him to struggle and keep him from boasting and depending on his own strength. He realized that the charge given to him could not be made by any ability of his own, that he needed God to give him the grace to do what was needed. Acknowledging our weakness in not admitting to defeat. It is an opportunity to show the awesomeness of God’s grace and power to work in us and through us. He desires that we provide Him with a vessel, an earthen vessel to do what He wants to accomplish in us and in the world around us.