2 Corinthians 12:1-10 1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ...from God… I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan" 2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT 1. to remove your “thorn” v. 8 2. Accept the “thorn” under v. 7, 9 3. Find strength in v. 9, 10 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 What do you need to surrender? A. : how others hurt you He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 NIV My wound I let go of today is: B. : the sins you committed Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 NIV My wrongs that I confess and forgive myself for is: C. : the future concerns Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV Today I give God this worry: The absolute surrender of everything into his hands is necessary. If our hearts are willing for that, there is no limit to what God will do for us or to the blessing he will bestow. Andrew Murray Two types of surrender: Day of Surrender Daily Practice of Surrender I die daily 1 Corinthians 15:13 KJV Questions for Discipleship Groups Leaders refer to your Story Facilitator's Guide