Here Paul describes his greatest 'agony and ecstasy'. Because his opponents were bragging about their visions and experiences, and claiming as a result to be 'one up' on the apostle, Paul very reluctantly describes his ecstatic experience too. Circumstances have forced him to do it, and so in a strangely oblique way he speaks of himself in the third person. Paul was entirely passive - almost a spectator and hearer, without any volition of his own.

Paul's reticence about relating his spiritual experiences is seen again in Galatians 1:15,16. There he describes his dramatic conversion experience in an objective, almost impersonal way: 'God in his grace chose me, called me to serve him, decided to reveal his Son to me...' When you read 1 Corinthians 12-14 carefully, you'll find that Paul doesn't belittle unusual spiritual experiences or explain them away. He simply wants to put them into proper perspective.

Has God done something quite dramatic in your life - given you a spiritual 'high'? Good. Has God done nothing like this in your life at all? Good. He knows some of us need more experiential proof of his reality. Others don't. He knows best.

Lord, you may come as a mighty wind or as a gentle breeze. Either way, I delight in your love, and welcome you afresh into my life. Amen.

I'm ready, Lord, however your Spirit comes. Amen.