When you hear someone speak, what gives weight to that person's words? Most of the time, we measure a message based on the person's experience and discard thoughts and ideas that don't seem genuine. So when we come to Paul's exposition of God's sufficiency, we ask: Is this something he can really talk about? We can read the Word and see in the life of the apostle that the answer is a resounding yes.

Paul's testimony contains accounts of the difficulties he faced. He was imprisoned, beaten, threatened, stoned, suffered shipwrecks and robberies. On top of all this, he had a persistent and unrelenting “thorn” (2 Corinthians 12:7-8).

You would think that God would keep His servants in perfect condition and health. However, when the apostle prayed for relief, God's response was not what he expected: "My grace is all you need." The Lord taught Paul the lesson that in God's hands, our weakness allows His power to become even more evident. Through God's power, and His power alone, we can do amazing things.

Perhaps you are struggling with your own "thorn." Ask God what He wants to accomplish through your weakness.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me in today's passage that Your grace alone is sufficient for me. That Your power is perfected in me when I am weak. Beloved Father, let me rejoice in the midst of life's difficult moments, knowing that when I am weak then I am strong in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1.    2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.