This summer I’m studying “Loving God with All Your Mind” by Elizabeth George with some wonderful friends of mine. There are many potential blog posts coming out of this book. This week, our study provided a fresh look at 2 Corinthians 12:7-10:
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The question asked, “What did Paul ask God to do about [the thorn in his flesh]?” He pleaded three times for it to be removed. (Really, just three times?) The next question asked, “What was God’s response?” Uh, the answer was a big fat NO. But there’s more than that. God’s “no” was that His grace and power were sufficient for Paul as he dealt with this struggle.
There are a few “thorns” in my life right now that I have been pleading with God to remove. And to be honest, I’ve been a little frustrated that they are still around. But after studying this passage, I don’t see God being silent about my trials, both self-inflicted and other-inflicted. I know that if these trials and temptations persist, it is for my good and His glory as He is making me more like Christ. If that were not the case, He would have removed them. As I walk through the difficulties, He has promised that His grace is sufficient for each one.
We ask, “Lord, please heal my family member.”
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
We plead, “Lord, please fix my financial difficulties.”
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
We cry, “Lord, please save my unbelieving loved one.”
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
I find Paul’s attitude toward God’s graceful “no” to be very convicting. As I continue in my difficulties, my attitude should not just be tolerating them and getting through them as quickly as possible so I can move on to something happier. Following Paul’s example, I am called to be content and even boast in my weaknesses and struggles, because they showcase God’s power and goodness. What a lofty goal . . . one that I could definitely only attain by God’s power and not my own.
By Grace Alone 
I found that book very helpful too. Especially the comments on ‘think on what is TRUE’ which have helped me in many circumstances. In our bible study we are reading “A Mom After God’s Own Heart”, also by Elizabeth George, and loving it. It is spurring us on to read the bible more ourselves and to pass that on to our kids.