Weakness into Strength

2 Corinthians 12: 7b-10

“7b Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul had a thorn in his flesh.  Scholars have debated for years about what this was. There have been those who thought that Paul had some constant temptation that he fought to overcome.  

Others have suggested that he had a physical ailment, possibly with his eyes, since he suffered blindness on the Damascus Road.  Still others suggest that the thorn referred to Paul’s opponents who always seemed to surround him.

Paul gained strength whenever the thorn bothered him or made him weak.  Whatever this thorn was, Paul used it to remind him of Christ’s suffering; to remind him of God’s presence; and to remind him of his God-given mission and purpose.  

We all suffer hardships, weaknesses, injustices, and calamities (as Paul wrote).  Do we let them defeat us and tear us down or ,with God’s grace and the power of Christ, do we turn our suffering into strength, and weakness into power made perfect?

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)