The apostle Paul was tormented by a “thorn in the flesh,” which produced a great deal of suffering. He had received so many incredible divine revelations and insights that he could have thought he had “Most Favored by God” status. The thorn in his flesh was a “messenger of Satan” to torment him (2 Cor. 12:7). It was a fallen angel—a demon, which incited tremendous persecution against him.
Paul asked God three times to use some heavenly tweezers and remove it. He probably believed this satanic messenger couldn’t possibly be permitted by God and that he would receive immediate relief. After asking three times, Paul had to wonder if the Lord heard his request. God did answer him, but differently than Paul had asked. Instead of removing the thorn, the Lord gave him thicker skin to endure it. He told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
God’s power actually becomes GREATER in our lives when we become weaker. When we surrender ourselves to God, the Lord is able to fill in the areas of our weakness with His power. As we empty ourselves and completely depend on God’s strength and power, that’s when we become strong with His power.
God’s power is connected to our dependence on Him. Paul said, “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.....for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
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