7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to [a]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NKJV)
God does not always relieve us of our hardships. At times, He is looking for change in our lives and at others He is looking for us to humble ourselves before Him. These trying times we can begin to feel alone or abandoned. Do not let these feelings take root in your soul. Even if God does not take away your trial, know there is a higher purpose.
Christianity is not some “life on easy street” switch that gets flipped. In fact, living the Christian life can oftentimes be difficult and daunting. This was been especially true for the early church and is for many who are missionaries abroad today. But even if we are not on the mission field…we are on the mission field. And we are susceptible to the typical concerns and maladies of life.
What we must rest on is that His grace is sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Reflect on: Any thorn you may have, be it physical, mental or spiritual that God is teaching you His sufficiency around.
