Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Reflection:

In this passage we learn that Paul suffered daily. Though it is not clear how he suffered, he made it abundantly clear that Christ is made greater in our weakness. Our physical and emotional weaknesses do not hinder us from following Jesus or telling others about Him. If anything, they will strengthen our witness for Him. We can tell others how God is using what man sees as bad for good. We can share how Christ suffered the ultimate cost, so our pain though challenging helps us remember who Christ is and how much He loves us. What the enemy means for evil the Lord will use for good!

Reflection Questions:

1. What does this passage teach us about pain and suffering?

2. Why does pain allow us to see Christ more clearly?

3. How does this passage encourage you?

4. How does this passage of Scripture affect your view of God and relationship with Him?