My Grace Is Sufficient For You, For My Power Is Made Perfect In Weakness
A Thorn In The Side
2 CORINTHIANS 12:6-9
“For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
”II Corinthians 12:6-10 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.12.6-10.NKJ
God’s word doesn’t tell us what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was, but we know the source of his physical ailment was infirmity.
Some have suggested it was malaria, epilepsy, or disease of his eyes (see GALATIANS 4:13-15). What ever it was, it was a chronic and debilitating problem, which at times, kept him from functioning physically.
This thorn was at times a hindrance to his daily life, and he prayed for its removal, but God refused.
Three times Paul prayed for healing and did not receive it. But he did however, receive something far greater because he received grace from God, a stronger character, humility, and the ability to empathise with others. Additionally, it benefited those around him as they saw God at work in his life.
Sometimes, we believers can feel inadequate in life and in ministry, but in our weakness, we are made strong as our dependency on Christ increases-His grace is enough.
The more dependant we become on Christ, whether in our careers or ministry, or relationships, or any situation at all, we shall be by far, more successful.
Since Paul was left with an infirmity, it’s likely that many of us Christians will face something similar.
Sometimes, when we ask or declare healing, God says, “no”, because that infirmity keeps us from pride and forces us to be like Paul, dependent on Christ.
God, according to His sovereign plan, doesn't heal all believers of their physical ailments. We don't know why he heals some and not others, but He chooses according to His divine purposes, but certainly these things humble our hearts, drive us to submission and dependence on Him, and allows Him by His grace, to do what only He can do. For when we have no way forward in our own strength, we stand aside and allow God to turn the impossible into the possible (MATHEW 19:26; LUKE 1:37).
Our task is to pray, believe, and to trust. Paul is living proof that holy living and courageous faith doesn't ensure protection against suffering or instant physical healing, but it certainly brings peace into our hearts in any situation at all.
When we pray for healing, we must trust our bodies to God's care, recognise that nothing separates us from God's love (ROMANS 8:35-39), and that our spiritual condition is by far more important than our physical condition.
Although God didn't remove Paul's affliction, He demonstrated His power in Paul. The fact that God's power is displayed in our weaknesses gives us courage, strength and hope.
As we recognise our weaknesses and limitations, we will depend more on God for our effectiveness rather than on our own strength and abilities.
Our limitations not only help develop a Christian character, but deepens our worship, because in admitting them, we affirm God’s strength and our dependency on Him.
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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God bless you all.
