Memory Monday – Week 4

I have always loved this verse. This is God’s provision to Paul during a trial, which he considered ‘a thorn in his flesh’. In verses 7 – 8, it says Paul prayed for a miracle three times. But, instead of God removing the thorn from his life, he gave him the strength to endure it. It’s probably not the answer Paul wanted, but later he realizes that when he is weak, he is strong. And, because of the trial, he built a stronger character, gained humility, and those around him benefited as they saw God’s work in his life.

Verse 9 starts off with…My grace is sufficient for you... God gave Paul strength by granting Paul grace. It would be enough grace to meet every one of Paul’s needs. A grace that would express God’s acceptance and pleasure in him and be available every minute of the day. God did not allow this thorn in the flesh to punish Paul, or to keep him weak for the sake of weakness. God allowed it to show a divine strength in Paul. Through his infirmities, God made Paul completely dependent on His grace and on His strength. Paul’s continued dependence upon God made him stronger than he ever could have been on his own.

He is doing the same thing for us! He gives us grace to get through this trial. He doesn’t promise to remove it, but he does promise to demonstrate His power within us. Without Him and His grace I honestly wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning. I will fully admit that we are way too weak to handle this on our own, but when we surrender control and pride is when God grants us strength. He gives us a new joy every day. And it’s a joy that there is no other way to explain besides giving thanks to Him! For when I am weak, then I am strong!

PS. This verse reminds me of this ridiculously amazing Jesus Calling post that also references the thorn in Paul’s flesh.