Articles
Power Perfected
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. [2 Corinthians 12:9]
Paul faced trials and tribulations that make the worst day in our lives seem like a vacation to Florida (cf. 2Cor. 11:23ff). Among these trials, Paul faced a mysterious “thorn in the flesh” of which we know very little about. The thorn was placed on Paul for the purpose of keeping him from self-exaltation after experiencing the surpassing greatness of heavenly visions (vv. 2-7).
The thorn caused intense pain that constantly weighed on Paul’s mind, and he implored God for deliverance on three separate occasions (v. 8). God’s response is compelling – He reminds Paul that divine grace was sufficient to carry him through no matter the circumstance. Moreover, He reminds Paul that the Christian must glory in his weakness and, thereby, boast in God alone (10:17). The recognition of our powerlessness magnifies our Creator and Sustainer; thus, our weakness in Christ is the expression of His omnipotence.
Sometimes the ministers of Satan distract us from our Deliverer and cause us to fear the pain and sorrow the world presses against us. Let us ever call to mind that divine power is perfected during the weakness of Christian trial. Knowing this fact will give us solace for our souls in the hour of humbling.
