How can we rely on God's strength when facing personal weaknesses? The Setting of Paul’s Thorn “or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7) Why God Allowed the Weakness • Protection from pride — the thorn kept Paul humble. • Constant reminder of dependence — it pushed him to lean on the Lord, not on gifting or experience. • Opportunity for testimony — Paul’s enduring faith under hardship displayed Christ’s sufficiency to the churches. Strength Discovered in Dependence • God answers weakness with grace: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • Christ’s power “rests” (literally “pitches its tent”) over the believer who admits need. • The paradox: when we are weak, we become the clearest channel for divine power (2 Corinthians 12:10). Practical Ways to Rely on God’s Strength 1. Admit the limitation – Name the weakness before God, without denying or excusing it. 2. Ask specifically for sustaining grace – Like Paul, pray earnestly; but prepare for God’s “sufficient grace” answer rather than immediate removal. 3. Anchor in Scripture – Keep verses of promise at hand and in mind (see list below). 4. Act in faith, not feeling – Move forward in obedience even when the weakness still pinches, trusting God to supply. 5. Acknowledge His help publicly – Share testimonies of how Christ carried you; this glorifies Him and strengthens others. 6. Stay humble – Remember the thorn’s purpose: continual dependence prevents conceit. Promises That Sustain Us • Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.” • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” • 1 Peter 5:10 – “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Walking in Daily Reliance Because Scripture is accurate and true in every detail, we can trust that the same God who empowered Paul stands ready to strengthen us. A thorn may persist, but His grace will always outrun our weakness, turning personal frailty into a stage for His unmistakable power. |