“Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from being too elated by 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 being too elated. 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.” 2 Corinthians 12:6-9 (ESV)
Paul wanted to brag about his accomplishments but, despite the truth of it, he knew bragging about his achievements would be immature and foolish. If he bragged in self-promotion, people would believe he was more capable than he really was.
Paul understood himself. He also understood the work of God in his life. God had allowed an ‘enemy thorn’ to personally hinder and harass him. It was allowed in order ‘to keep [him] from being too elated’ about the super revelations he had been given. God was literally protecting Paul from his own pride of life.
This great servant of God begged for divine deliverance, but God replied: ‘My grace is sufficient. My power will sustain you in your weakness.’ The wisdom of God quickly became evident to Paul, who began trusting in the power of God rather than his achievements and qualifications.
Dear Father, thank you for the power of your grace and mercy. Empower us to ignore how weak we are and brag about how powerful you are. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you boast in the power of God,