And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
God’s response to Paul’s pleading for his suffering to end was not to give him what he wanted—perhaps because the suffering had a purpose—but to give him Himself. And I love Paul’s response: “Wait, You will rest Your power and grace upon me because of my weakness? Well then, yay weakness!” Paul heard that God was acting in his suffering and it brought him gladness, pleasure, and strength.
May this artwork remind you that God’s undeserved kindness toward you is sufficient to walk you through your suffering.
