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 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. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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.
(2 Corinthians 12:6-9 NIV)
Was Paul’s thorn in the flesh physical or emotional? It doesn’t matter. What is important is to realize is that the Lord allowed Paul to suffer. Why? Paul acknowledges that it was to keep him from becoming proud. The Lord wanted Paul to continue to rely on His power and not Paul’s own. God’s grace was sufficient for Paul. Is it, then, not sufficient for us?
This spiritual principle wasn’t only meant for Paul; it’s also meant for us. A total commitment to God will cover any thorn in the flesh we may have. There is such joy when we accept God’s will for our life! When we accept God’s will for our life, as Paul did, we will be able to say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV). As we lean on God’s power, He is glorified because He is made known in our state of weakness.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me in my weakness. May I depend totally on You to give me the strength that I need every day. Amen.