7And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. [Job. 2:6.]
8Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me;
9But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
10So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).
2Corinthians 12:7-10 (The Amplified Bible)
Wow! Almost didn't make it today!
Funny day. Started off with a comment that made me feel judged. Then a phone call from an old friend that brought tears to my eyes as she sensed how burdensome my 'thorn in the flesh' had been for many years.
Not judged. Just understood.
Like a fresh drink of cool water is a friend's understanding.
Thank You, Lord.
I have not yet reached Paul's pleasure in his weakness. I still feel sadness. But I will continue to trust and hope and beg God. Who knows?
In the meantime, He is all the strength that I have.
In Christ alone my hope is found.
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