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Devotional – A Thorn in the Flesh

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a ESV)

How often do we find ourselves crying out to God without the response that we expect? If you have ever found yourself in this situation, you are in good company. The apostle Paul found himself in this exact situation. On three occasions he prayed for what he called “a thorn in the flesh,” possibly a physical ailment. Paul never received the response he wanted, but rather a declaration from the Lord.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” As we face the struggles, sorrows, and shortcomings in our lives, we often need to be reminded that in Jesus, God has penetrated our humanity to the core of our being. He stood in our place, clothed in our flesh and has reconciled us to the Father. Yes, his grace is sufficient! We can be encouraged in the fact that he shared in all that we are. Amid our difficulties, we can trust in His sufficiency for us and allow for his power to be revealed in our weaknesses.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask that by your Spirit you give me the peace that will soothe my soul in every situation. May you grant me the understanding of the sufficiency of your grace and the strength that I need amid my struggles to experience you at a deeper level.

 

By Heber Ticas

2 thoughts on “Devotional – A Thorn in the Flesh”

  1. 2. Corinthians 12:9 a verse inspired by God and penned by the apostle Paul, a Christian supremely acquainted with all kinds of sorrows, is powerful, precious and not infrequently in our own lives experientially enigmatic. Cutting through a multitude of possible questions and speculations we are told that no matter what trials we might end up facing „grace is all we need“. Do we need courage? It is to be found in grace. Do we need strength? It is found in grace. Do we need wisdom? It is found in grace. This divine revelation opposes the carnal mind. May we all learn and accept the divine sufficiency as we interact with a world that constantly challenges us to reject that „game changing“ revelation.

    Thanks, Heber.

    Every blessing,
    Santiago

  2. Thanks Heber for the encouragement that God’s Grace is sufficient!! When Paul was warning the Ephesian leaders that after he left them wolves would enter the church to draw away disciples for themselves, he committed it to God and the word of his Grace, which was able to build (encourage, edify) them up. Act 20:32 Grace is all we need! Eph 2:8

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