Having boasted about weaknesses and sufferings, even fleeing from a threat against his life (2 Corinthians 11:32–33), Paul subtly boasted about profound visions and revelations from the Lord—the kind of experiences that would move someone to boast. To temper the human inclination toward pride, the Lord allowed a messenger of Satan to torment Paul. This could have been a specific temptation, a physical ailment, or possibly the enemies of the faith that kept showing up to frustrate his ministry. Either way, Paul took the matter to God, who is sovereign over all things, even the messengers of Satan. Paul concluded that his ministry would thrive better if this thorn were removed. God, of course, knew better. This metaphorical thorn was painful, yet purposeful, similar to Jesus’ Crucifixion. Paul prayed for the thorn to be removed, just as Jesus prayed for the cup of God’s wrath to pass from Him (Luke 22:4). In both cases, God had different plans. Jesus went to the Cross, where He died so that we may live, and Paul proclaimed the sufficiency of God’s grace to overcome and shine through our weaknesses.

How might your weaknesses allow for God’s power to shine more clearly through your life?