To keep me from being conceited... there was given to me, a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7

Throughout the New Testament, Paul challenged, reprimanded and encouraged fellow believers to develop a closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ while failing to surrender to the persecution that was so prevalent to the early church. He has become a spiritual giant to me, seeming to be unaffected, if not fueled, by the attempts of his enemies to make him lose his faith in God. Whatever Pauls thorn in the flesh was, it affected Paul strongly enough to prompt him to plead with the Lord three different times to take it away from him (2 Corinthians 12). The Lord denied this request, however, and promised His grace and strength in the midst of Pauls suffering. How did Paul respond? He did not pout, throw a fit, or begin doubting Gods sovereignty or innate goodness. Instead, he accepted Gods answer! Paul did not just accept his infirmity, he became glad for it. He saw the bigger picture. Being released from his challenge would have made life more comfortable and less painful. However, not being released from it gave opportunity for Gods grace and strength to rest on him in the midst of his suffering. Whatever the case, large or small, we all have issues and circumstances in our lives that need the sufficiency of Gods grace and strength. Will you choose to respond as Paul? I hope so!

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to rely upon Your strength in my time of weakness. May I learn to see how my struggles can be demonstrations of Your power in my life. Amen.

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: Is. 43:2
• Tuesday: Is. 41:10
• Wednesday: Is. 40:31
• Thursday: Nehemiah 8:10
• Friday: Psalm 27:1
• Saturday: Eph. 6:10
• Sunday: Phil. 4:13