Paul famously speaks about “a thorn in the flesh” that was given to him.
He had felt the pain from that metaphorical thorn for a long time.
He prayed earnestly 3 times.
Each time, pleading for God to take this trial or affliction away.
But God didn’t take the pain away.
Instead, the Lord responded:
“My grace is sufficient for thee.”
And Paul really, truly believed it.
Gods grace was sufficient for Paul’s thorn.
This makes me think about my own thorns.
The little small ones, and the really big and dramatic ones.
Do I actually believe what God says?
Do I believe that God’s grace is sufficient for ME?
Often, in this church, we talk about “getting through” a difficult time or talk about what we might learn after a trial.
But what about the trials that don’t end?
Is there any hope?
Look what Paul said in response to the Lord’s consolation that His grace is sufficient:
“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)
Paul said that he will GLADLY GLORY in his infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon him.
How do we find that joy when we know that our trials will not end in this life?
How can we possibly be okay with that?
How do we endure health challenges, life circumstances, results of our choices or of others, that will be a thorn in our side for a really, really long time?
“My grace is sufficient for thee.”
We learn more about Jesus and grace.
We learn that we have the strength, through Christ, to still be a good person and do what is right on top of dealing with those challenges.
We learn that our Lord gives us grace EVERY SINGLE time we need extra help.
Not just the first or second time. Every time.
Our trials, though excruciating and painful, teach us what it truly means to rely on our Savior.
Because we don’t have to do it alone.
We get to be filled with HIS strength.
The thorn in our side may remain, but the sting can be taken away by the one who perfectly knows how the thorn feels.
Happy Studying!
Cali Black
