God’s Grace is Sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) Part One

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor. Prior verses contained Paul's extraordinary heavenly experience (2 Corinthians 12:1–3). This moment provided him with insights he was not allowed to reveal to others (2 Corinthians 12:4). To prevent Paul from being conceited about this knowledge, God sent Paul an unspecified “thorn in the flesh.” Scripture doesn't explain whether this was something physical, emotional, or connected to some temptation. What it does tell us is that a man of profound faith and deep commitment was stricken, causing him to cry out to God repeatedly for relief (2 Corinthians 12:7–8). Somehow, Paul came to understand God's answer to his request was a clear and permanent “no.” This persistent “weakness” in Paul's life helped keep him from becoming conceited. Instead, God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” God is saying to Paul and every believer that His grace is fully capable of providing everything needed to endure this suffering. God told Paul that His power is made perfect in weakness. The Greek word for “sufficient” here means “endurance, strength, or satisfaction.” Paul has written that he would only boast in his weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:5), and now he gets enthusiastic about it. He says, “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses” including this thorn in the flesh. My question is, why would someone like Paul celebrate being saddled with some painful struggle? Because God said, “For power is perfected in weakness.” The word translated as “perfected” here means “completion or accomplishment.” The focus is on something being achieved, not having flaws removed. This is the amazing power of God being demonstrated through His amazing grace! Be encouraged!