Daily Power #224

“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. (2 Cor. 12:9)

The apostle Paul was as faithful to God as anyone I’ve ever read about or known. He was imprisoned again and again for his bold preaching about Christ. He was stoned for loving Jesus (and I’m not talking about the recreational kind). He was shipwrecked, bitten by snakes, beaten and left for dead—all because of his unwavering obedience to Christ.

This guy wrote a huge portion of the New Testament, started churches everywhere he went, and had heavenly visions. So when Paul prayed, you would think God would do about anything for him. We actually see one time when the opposite is true.

Paul begged God again and again to remove a thorn from him. We are not sure what this thorn was. Some experts guess it was an eye problem, arthritis, headaches, depression, or spiritual opposition. Although we don’t exactly know what the “thorn” was, we do know God said no.

Instead of simply answering this prayer, God had another plan. God was going to teach Paul that his grace was enough. God’s presence was sufficient for Paul.

Prayer isn’t just asking God to do what we want him to do. It’s also knowing him.

Ultimately, prayer reminds us that we are not in control and keeps us close to the one who is.

Power Lift

I don’t understand your ways all the time, Lord, especially when my prayers seem to go unanswered. Help me to be as patient and accepting as Paul so that Christ’s power may rest on me too.