Dealing With Thorns

But 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.~2 Corinthians 12:9

So often when I read or recite this verse I think of sickness in the body.  As someone who deals with a chronic illness, it has always brought me comfort to know that God provides me with what I need to endure and overcome.  It has given me hope to witness the things that He does through me when I am at my weakest.  It keeps me humbled and honest as I realize and confirm that He is the source of my strength.

However, there is more to be gained and understood from this declaration given to Paul by God.  In verse 7( 2 Corinthians 12:7) Paul talks about the thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment him.  Paul explains that he was given this thorn to keep him from being conceited.  He pleads with God to remove it in verse 8( 2 Corinthians 12:8), but the Lord tells Him that His grace is sufficient."

What could the thorn be? The thorn could be outward sufferings as described in verse 10: hardships, insults, persecution, and difficulties. Or they may be  inward as we battle with sin and the desires of the flesh.

I believe it is often easier to look to God and seek His face when the thorn is coming from the outside because we can cast blame elsewhere.  We have more confidence to approach the throne of grace.  We can be more assured that He will provide us with what we need to get through.  But today as I deal with some inward battles, I realized just how much I need the truth of His word. His grace is sufficient for me.  

Sometimes we suffer from the burden of sin because we believe the lie of the enemy.  We walk as though we are condemned and no longer worthy because we are not perfect.  We must realize that Satan is trying to use our pride to blind us from the truth.  Yes, we have no reason to boast in ourselves.  That is a fact, but we have reason to boast God and His Son, our Lord and Savior.  We don't have to suffer in silence.  We don't have to be without hope because we. An go to God. I can go with confidence to His throne and ask for mercy ( Hebrews 4:16).  I can confess my sin and He will forgive me (1 John 1:9). There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus ( Romans 8:1-4).

Satan may send messages of condemnation all day long.  E may point out all the things that I didn't get right, but it's okay because the truth is that I am covered by the blood of Jesus. His grace has been extended to me. His power rests on me and the enemy is defeated.

Whatever the thorn we may deal with,  the truth remains that 

we can endure and overcome because of Christ.  He is our hope.  He is our strength and power.  His grace is sufficient.  May we rest in this truth. Father help us to be okay with our weaknesses knowing that your power will be manifested.  Let us trust You to get us safely over.  In Jesus name. Amen