June 5

Glorying In Infirmities!

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. — 2 Cor 12:9 BSB

The Apostle experienced remarkable revelations from God. Not just once or twice, but many times, he saw things that no human eye had seen and heard words that no ear could hear. God knew that, because of these extraordinary experiences, Paul needed something to keep him humble, to prevent him from being exalted beyond measure (2 Corinthians 12:7).

We don’t know exactly what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was, but it may have been a painful eye condition. We gather this from his mention of the Galatians’ willingness to give him their own eyes (Galatians 4:13-17), and his dependence on a scribe to write his letters. His affliction made him keenly aware of his weakness and connected him to the majority of people he served, who lived in the valleys of life, struggling with physical and spiritual challenges. Like Paul, we must be willing to leave behind the mountain of spiritual experiences to minister to those in need (2 Corinthians 12:4; Matthew 17:14-18).

Three times Paul prayed for deliverance from this affliction, but God’s answer was that the thorn would remain, though His grace would be sufficient to sustain him. Paul was content with that. On the one hand, he faced the torment of Satan’s messenger, but on the other, he gained humility and a greater outpouring of grace—blessings that would not have been possible without his suffering. He gladly accepted the weakness because of the abundant compensation it brought.

Do not let your difficulties and weaknesses defeat you. Instead, run to Christ and claim His abundant grace and strength. By leaning on His infinite resources, you will not only accomplish the work God has set for you but exceed it. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Prayer

Help us, O Lord, to focus on Your blessings—on Your covenant mercy, not the storm; on the face of Jesus, not the troubles; on what You have given, not what has been withheld. Help us to trust in Your all-sufficiency. Amen.