And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)
Over the past few days, we’ve been talking about God’s grace, and what it means to “fall from grace.” This phrase is often misunderstood, so let’s look a time when Paul had fallen from grace.
When today’s verse was written, people were harassing Paul everywhere he went. From city to city, he was lied about, talked about, and beaten—and he was getting tired of it! In this moment of weakness, Paul forgot about God’s grace—that incredible power and ability he had been given. Instead, he begged God to take this problem away, and God said, My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Many think that means God said no, but that’s actually not true. God was reminding Paul to walk in grace. Paul responded by remembering the incredible power and strength He had been given: So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in… insults, hardships, persecutions… for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am [truly] strong (able, power in divine strength) (v. 10, AMPC).
God’s grace is His power flowing out of your life to bring about the miraculous in every area. But His grace also gives you the ability and strength to walk through storms and trials. When we ask God to help us deal with difficult people or situations, His grace is sufficient.
Tough times may come, but Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30, NKJV). When your own strength is not enough, remember: you are able to face anything through God’s supernatural strength!