Read 2 Corinthians 10 – 13
And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
The Apostle Paul had a thorn in the flesh he asked the Lord to remove three times. Many wonder what it was and love to speculate about it, but since Paul never told us we simply do not and cannot know. It is better left unsaid because most of us have our own thorn in the flesh, a difficulty whether physical or emotional we have to live with. Like Paul we would like God to remove it, but often He does not. Paul prayed, more than once, to have his removed, but God chose to allow it to remain, wanting instead to teach Paul that His grace was all he needed to meet the challenge. Grace is the undeserved favor of God. By experience Paul learned it was all he needed, even to the point of rejoicing in difficulty. Over time he learned when he was personally weak he was actually stronger because rather than relying on his own strength, he had learned to rely on the strength of Christ.
Lord, I have my own thorn in the flesh that has often been difficult for me, but as you taught Paul, I too have learned you are stronger than any problem I have. As I have relied on you, rather than myself, I have learned your grace is more than sufficient to meet the challenge. In the end I am stronger for doing so.
A question to ponder: Is there a thorn in the flesh God has used in your life to help you learn to rely on Him rather than yourself?
