II Corinthians 12:9 Three times he called upon the Lord, begging that the thorn in his flesh be taken from him. But God said to Paul, ‘My Grace is sufficient, My strength and power are made perfect in your weakness’. Paul, His bondservant, the one who saw the ‘Light’ on the road to Damascus, the one who was persecuted by men and would be martyred for his faith…this Paul didn’t receive the healing he prayed for. Paul came to understand there was purpose in his suffering and affliction. He came to know by experience that God’s strength and power are perfected, completed, showing themselves most effective, in man’s weakness. That’s definitely not an accepted belief from the world’s point of view. Only a believer, completely surrendered to God, will accept, in all humility, God’s will, even when it hurts. Do we pray for what we want or do we pray for God‘s will? Do we pray for things like money and success? Or do we pray for things like strength, courage, wisdom, boldness…for godly character? Do we pray for healing… and accept His answer, even if it’s not the one we’re looking for? Even if…Do we still praise Him…giving Him honor and glory, acknowledging His Dominion and power overall things? Paul continued to pursue the ministry God entrusted him with. He pursued it in strength and power not his own, but God’s. He didn’t get angry at being told ‘No’ and walk away, defeated. He found glory in his weakness, and strength and power with Jesus living in him. What a powerful testimony, witness he lived. What about us? Lord, may our surrender, be complete, knowing in our weakness, Your Strength is made perfect…even in us.
