2 Corinthians 12:9 – 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.

Paul’s prayer had been answered, but not in the way the Apostle was expecting. God said to Paul, “I will not remove the thorn, but I will do something better: I will give you grace to bear it. And just remember, Paul, that although I have not given you what you asked for, yet I am giving you what you need most deeply. You want My power and strength to accompany your preaching, don’t you? Well, the best way to have that happen is for you to be kept in a place of weakness.” This was God’s repeated answer to Paul’s repeated prayer. And it continues to be God’s answer to his suffering people throughout the world. Better than the removal of your trials and sufferings is the companionship of the Son of God in them, and the assurance of His strength and enabling grace. Notice Paul willingly accepted the Lords answer even though it was not exactly what he asked for. Sometimes you and I keep asking the Lord for something to which He has already answered no. If He doesn’t give us what we ask for, we think He has not answered our prayer. More often than not His answer to my prayers is no. And eventually I discover that His no was the best possible answer He could have given me.

Challenge:

Paul was content with Gods will and that should be your goal as well. Do you believe His grace is sufficient for you in every situations in your life? Do you sometimes feel like His grace is not enough to carry you through a tough time? If you would think about the things you asked God to do for you and He ended up giving you something different, I bet you would discover His answer was far better for you and made you a stronger person in the process. I challenge you this week to listen for God to speak to you “My grace is sufficient for you.” For instance, is there an individual in your life that you just don’t get along with (your very own thorn in the flesh) and you want God to remove them? God is telling you “My grace is sufficient for you” because He has something He wants to teach you and reveal to that person. Are you looking for a better job? His grace is sufficient for you and He will move you when He is ready or He will enable you to be content right where you are. Have you been wanting to move into a better living situation? Gods grace is sufficient for you, He may be getting a new place ready for you and wants you to be patient with Him. God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” He said He would not remove the thorn, but that He would give Paul the grace to bear the thorn. God’s grace is always greater than your thorn. God’s blessings be with you.