[video=youtube;FbqBUzOhxTM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbqBUzOhxTM[/video]
I think what it is talking about is exactly what it says, and I feel I am living proof of this. God is using my infirmity to manifest His glory through my broken arm. Here is the BEST example I can think of God showing His glory through our "weaknesses".
God doesn't give His children diseases because of the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. We would people in jail if they did that to their children.
The words "infirmity" and "weakness" are the same Greek words. Notice that in the context, it is not sickness which is being referred to.
2 Corinthians 11:29–30 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.
Some significant points regarding this passage:
Paul's Thorn in the Flesh — North Forest
The words "infirmity" and "weakness" are the same Greek words. Notice that in the context, it is not sickness which is being referred to.
2 Corinthians 11:29–30 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.
Some significant points regarding this passage:
- The phrase messenger of Satan doesn't refer to a disease or trials. The word messenger always refers to a living being, either human or angelic. This messenger of Satan is likely the Judaizers who are the ones who stirred up the dissension among the Jews which resulted in Paul being stoned in Acts 14:19
- Paul's trial seems to be a consequence of his revelation. His revelation is what gave him the confidence and courage to preach the gospel even when facing extreme persecution.
- This passage doesn't say Paul got his infirmity as a consequence of his revelation. There are no examples in the Bible of a person who God gave a disease as a consequence of a special revelation except maybe Jacob. However there are plenty of examples of people who had to face persecution as a consequence of revelation God had given them.
- Paul uses the phrase exalted above measure twice. From the wording it sounds like Paul believes God gave him these trials and tribulations on purpose to help keep his mind fixed on him. I don't believe God does this, but Paul may have mistakenly believed it.
Here is the link to the article that talks more about this.
Paul's Thorn in the Flesh — North Forest