In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 though we aren’t certain specifically what the “thorn in the flesh” was, we do know Paul did not like it as he went to the Lord about it three times. Paul’s request was that this messenger of satan with his thorn be removed for good. As earnest as Paul was in his prayer, God had a better plan than removing the thorn, as the thorn had a purpose that made it useful to the Master.
Some of us are too busy telling God what He ought to do about our situation, which in turn renders us incapable of hearing what He wants to do. Because of this, we become certain that the only thing to do about our situation is to remove it altogether. The Lord did not say, “My grace will prove to be sufficient” or “My grace will be enough to get you through.” No, the Lord told Paul, “I allowed the pressure to be such on this thorn so that you will understand that each moment there is ample provision for your every need, because no matter the thorn, God’s grace is able to exceed the need.”
Paul’s human weakness made way for more of Christ’s power and grace! There is a spiritual principle here that we need to get a grip on, dear saints: “The spiritual principle is that His strength is made perfect in our weakness”! That is to say that God’s power continually increases as our weakness grows. This spiritual principle, known as the “Paradox of Power,” is as much a law in the spiritual realm as gravity is in the natural realm.
So, what do you think God will be doing with us based on this spiritual reality of “Human weakness makes way for more of Christ’s power and grace”? He will be involved in those things that cause us to realize we are weak! So, let me ask you personally, “What is it that makes you feel weak?” If you are feeling weak, that means that though you may be under attack, you are also being led this way so that you will have far more of God’s strength and grace! Now, the opposite of this spiritual principle is also true: “Human arrogance and pride make for less or none of Christ’s power and grace.”
Listen carefully: “It is far more important to God to keep us humble than it is to keep us comfortable.” God allows us to feel weak to keep us from that which would render us useless in the work of spreading His Kingdom. The most dangerous thing each of us faces daily is “spiritual pride.”