Paul talked about a wonderful vision of heaven and inexpressible revelations to silence his opponents' claim of spiritual superiority. This kind of mysterious experience was given to Paul to fortify him for his service and sufferings and solidify his hope in the kingdom of God. However, this kind of experience cannot be the basis of our faith. The foundation of our faith is the word of God revealed in the Bible. That's why Paul didn't boast about his vision so that no one would think too highly of him. Rather, he wanted to boast about his weakness. Why?

Paul had a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan, which was something extremely painful or source of much distress. It was given to keep him from becoming conceited. Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from him. However, God didn't remove the thorn, saying, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Whenever Paul depended on God alone in his weakness, God's power was manifested to the full in his life and ministry. So. Paul gladly boasted of his weakness and even delighted in participating in the suffering of Christ if it meant Christ's power would rest on him. For when he was weak, then he was strong in the power of the risen Christ.


Application: Lord, thank you for your sufficient grace in my weakness. May my weakness be an opportunity to reveal your power and glory through faith in you!
One Word: God's sufficient grace in my weakness