Elephants are strange looking creatures; bulky, near-sighted, huge, hairy beasts, they grow to monstrous size and strength. But with all their strength, some things must be very difficult for them- including catching ones tail. I can only imagine how many times this one tried- and failed!!! But, LOOK!!! He (or perhaps, she) succeeded. I know that feeling, that overwhelming relief when I finally succeed at something I continually kept FAILING AT.
But, when you finally achieve that long sought after goal- then what? This question occurred to me yesterday when I read in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians...
2 Corinthians, Chapter 12 (WEB)
1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven. 3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don’t know; God knows), 4 how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. 6 For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me. 7 By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. 8 Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
The answer to the "then what" is found in the grace of God; that you (like Paul) will be able to handle whatever is put in front of you next and OVERCOME!!!! Paul did this- and so can we!!!!
Sound impossible? IT IS NOT!!! If you have some extra time today, re-read the Corinthian passage and listen to Jackie Evancho sing. It made my day; and I hope it will bless yours as well!!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANEFZJ01OiY
Who knows- you just might remember all this for a long time. But, now we are back to Elephants again; and that is the end of this tale (tail)!!! SUCCESS!!!!!
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