Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

### **2 Corinthians 12:5-10**  

**Brethren, hear my words, for I speak the truth in Christ:** 

**(Verse 5)** *"Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities."*  

If I must boast, I will boast only in my weaknesses. I will not glory in myself, in visions, revelations, or any greatness that comes from me, but rather in my infirmities—my sufferings, hardships, and limitations. For in them, Christ's power is made perfect.  

**(Verse 6)** *"For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me."*  

I could speak of great revelations, but I refrain, for I do not want anyone to think of me more highly than what they see or hear from me. My purpose is not to exalt myself, but to exalt Christ alone.  

**(Verse 7)** *"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure."*  

To keep me humble, the Lord allowed a "thorn in the flesh"—a persistent trial, a messenger of Satan to trouble me. This was to prevent pride from taking root in my heart after the great revelations I received. It was a reminder that I depend not on myself, but on the Lord.  

**(Verse 8)** *"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me."*  

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take this suffering from me. I asked that this burden be removed, thinking it hindered me. But the Lord had a greater purpose.  

**(Verse 9)** *"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."*  

The Lord answered me, saying, *“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”* Oh, what a glorious truth! Rather than removing the trial, He gave me something far greater—His grace! His power is most evident when I am weak. Therefore, I rejoice in my sufferings, for in them, the power of Christ is at work in me.  

**(Verse 10)** *"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."*  

So I do not despise suffering—I embrace it! I take joy in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, *for Christ’s sake.* Why? Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong. In my own strength, I can do nothing, but in Christ’s strength, I can endure all things.  

So, beloved, do not despise your trials. Embrace them as opportunities for God’s power to shine through you. His grace is enough! Trust in Him, and let His strength be made perfect in your weakness.

Apostle Paul