Joel M Bradshaw

…a thorn was given me [Paul] in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 2, with emphasis)

I love this passage. It is my anthem during my physically weak days. It also is the basic message of Celebrate Recovery.

7 quick things we learn here.

1. It is good to pray for the end of your suffering. Paul did.
2. God is under no obligation to end your suffering. God said no to Paul!
3. God told Paul what instead He had given him.
4. God’s strength would be displayed in Paul’s weakness.
5. Paul was content with this arrangement.
6. Paul’s life was lived for the sake of Jesus, not for himself.
7. Paul’s weakness was an opportunity for God to show strength. That grace was sufficient or enough. Therefore nothing more is needed to face your day. Make this your anthem!–JMB