To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
Sometimes we just need to have our “wanters” fixed, Right? All too often we bellyache over having what we don’t want or wanting what we don’t have. Believe me when I tell you, it gets us nowhere fast. Ask me how I know. In this particular passage, the Apostle Paul was given a thorn that he pleaded the removal of. But God. There was a different plan, a better plan than a thorn removal. God was going to bless Paul with more grace – more unmerited favor – more of His achieving power to accomplish God’s purposes. Divine power is best displayed against the backdrop of our weaknesses. And Paul gets it, basically stating, “bring it on”. And he would never be the same.
Believer, are you sufficient in the Lord Jesus Christ? It is not Jesus plus anything else. It is just Jesus. He will fill us to the fullness of never lacking. He provides us everything we need to walk in a manner worthy of His Gospel, pleasing Him in all that we say and do and think. Amazing. Our cups overflow with Living Water and we are no longer needy – always needing a stroke here or there from outsiders. Believers that are sufficient in Christ are the most refreshing people to be around – they are not takers, they are givers – and givers of fullness. Because as we give grace away we just get more. The more Paul experienced God’s achieving power on him the more he wanted to. There is nothing like being a vessel in His Hand filled with His power for His glory. Sadly, few get to experience His indwelling achieving power because we blithely go about our own ways in our own puny strength, doing what only we can do. So how is that working for us? The answer, not so good. Turn to Him in prayer, relinquishing your rights and begin to take hold of the life that is truly life.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)