Paul describes a “thorn in the flesh” — its exact nature never specified, which has let generations of readers see their own affliction in it — that he pleaded with God three times to remove. God’s answer wasn’t removal.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s response is remarkable: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me… for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
This isn’t resignation dressed up as spirituality. Paul genuinely reframes his weakness — not as an obstacle to God’s power despite it, but as the very place God’s power is made most visible. A strength that never needed help wouldn’t showcase God’s power nearly as clearly as a weakness God is visibly sustaining.
If you’ve been praying for a “thorn” to be removed and it hasn’t been, this passage doesn’t promise it eventually will be. It offers something different: God’s grace being sufficient specifically IN the unremoved weakness, and his power resting there in a way it might not if you were simply strong on your own.
Reflect: What’s your “thorn” — the weakness you keep asking God to remove? What would it look like to ask instead for his grace to be sufficient in it?
Prayer: Lord, I’ve asked you to remove my weakness. Today, help me trust your grace is sufficient in it instead, and let your power rest on me through it. Amen.