Reflection: Paul talks about how he had a thorn in his flesh that he begged God to take away, but his prayer was not answered. This particular problem was one he was stuck with and seemed to cast a shadow on each day. He doesn’t state what it was, but it must have been a struggle for him to persist in asking God to take it from him. I relate to this well, because some problems just don’t go away. Disabilities can be life long, as can many other issues in life. They are there for years. And it can be puzzling when we wonder why God doesn’t step in and do something. Paul didn’t respond to his unanswered prayer by assuming God didn’t care, or doubt that he had enough faith to allow a miracle to be performed. Instead, he says God did speak to him by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul’s great learning was that Christ’s power rests on him when he suffered. When he felt weak, he was strong.
This strange truth has certainly been shown in my own life as well. God never promises to take all our problems away. But our suffering means that we have to rely on God more and more in what we do. This is why it is not unusual for me to start the day by asking God to give me the courage to face it, even though it is tough to do so, and I totally feel out of my depth.
Prayer: Christ, remind me that your grace is sufficient for me, and if I surrender myself to you, your power can be made perfect in my weakness. Amen.