Amy Carmichael was a missionary serving in India. In the year 1931, she had a fall and had to be bedridden for two decades. Yet, she wrote about sixteen of the thirty-six books during that time. Yes, like Paul she ministers in spite of her disabilities. People of God use even their sufferings to further the cause of the Kingdom of God. Paul writes: “You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first.” (Galatians 4:13) In spite of bodily ailment of Paul which is not specified, a church was planted there.
Paul ministered in the region of Galatia. (Acts 14:19-20) He was stoned and he was left as dead in Lystra. Next day Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe. Paul mentions this in his letter to Galatians. Paul may not have died, but had serious injuries that could have been internal.
The Galatian city of Pisidian Antioch was about 3600 feet higher than Perga. The marshy area of Perga was infested with mosquitoes, that could cause malaria. Fever could be the affliction Paul refers too.
There are some scholars say, Paul was blinded on the Damascus road, when his eyesight was restored after Ananias prayers, still there was a slight difficulty in his eyes. Paul had difficulty in recognizing the chief priest. (Acts 23:1-5) So only Paul mentions that Galatians were willing even to pluck their eyes and give him. (Galatians 4: 15) Paul also mentions about the large letters he writes because of his eyesight. (Galatians 6:11)
Paul writes that Lord did not remove the ‘thorn in flesh,’ however, gave him grace so that in his weakness, Lord’s glory and power be revealed and expressed. (II Corinthians 12: 9)
Afflictions are rough patches on the road of faith. Disciples walkover them in victory.
Am I victorious in all circumstances?