Message summary: Do you have a "thorn in the flesh" or are you close to someone right now who feels the piercing pain of a "thorn". First aid such as the ointment of God's grace can be applied which is absolutely sufficient to sustain you through the trial at hand. Not only did Paul keep his faith, but He thrived in His pursuit of God and we are the benefactors because of it. As you endure the trial and pursue God you too will be stronger and God will be glorified through your endurance.

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“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” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Yesterday Glenn, a friend of ours, shared the above photo of a homemade plaque that has hung on his kitchen wall for many years, a simple reminder: "Be Thankful For The Grace That Is Sufficient".

We gain much from considering the wonders of God’s sufficient grace evidenced in the time of greatest need: from those in the Bible and those throughout history. There has never been and never will be any diminishment of the sufficiency of God's grace. It's vital to remember that whatever we are going through has already been experienced by others, though it may vary in circumstances.

The apostle Paul who was eventually martyred received tremendous assurance from the daily text after a time of prayer that seemed to go unanswered. He was dealing with his "thorn in the flesh". Much speculation has been made regarding the nature of this thorn, with a variety of interpretations offered. However Paul simply does not disclose the details, although it's likely that his original readers would have already known, due to their personal association with him.

This verse of assurance has brought comfort to scores of believers through the church age. We generally interpret the thorn to be representative of a trial since a thorn will leave its victim with a sharp, stabbing sensation that can last for an extended period of time. I consider Paul's lack of specifics regarding the nature of his thorn to be a part of God's design, for our trials truly take on many forms and God's grace is always sufficient for each of them!

We consider the horrible plight of those suffering in so many places all around the world. May they truly experience God's sufficient grace. Are you dealing with a "thorn in the flesh" or are you close to someone right now who feels the piercing pain of a "thorn".

First aid such as the ointment of God's grace can be applied which is absolutely sufficient to sustain you through the trial at hand. Not only did Paul keep his faith, but He thrived in His pursuit of God and we, along with millions over the centuries, are the benefactors because of it. As you endure the trial and pursue God you too will be stronger and God will be glorified through your faithful endurance.

Be encouraged today!  Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber