Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
What was the thorn in the flesh that troubled Paul? Some have suggested that it was an eye disease that caused difficulty in reading his parchments and scripture. Others have speculated that it was the physical presence of the demonic. We don’t know for sure. But, the result was that Paul was confronted again with his human frailty and another weakness in his life. He framed it all up as something God allowed to keep Paul from exalting himself and thinking he was somehow better than others because he had had such unique revelations of God. (remember the Damascus road experience). What he discovered is that the grace available to any penitent sinner was what saved him. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. And when we consider our weaknesses and apply the grace of God, the power of God is perfected. Amazing!
What weaknesses accompany my life? In what ways am I allowing or preventing the grace of God to perfect God’s power in those very same weaknesses?
My God and Father in Heaven, this is what You do. You are merciful and redeeming in nature. Please continue Your work in my life day by day adding power to my weakness for the sake of revealing Your grace. I am weak in a number of areas. You know each one. May today be a beautiful display of Your perfecting power!
