2 Cor. 4:7, 5-10. The situation at this time in Corinth was such that Paul found it necessary to speak about himself. While bringing the gospel of salvation to them, he does so with humility and sincerity. Paul shows himself with weakness, but through grace and the power of the God whom he serves, he found strength. His strength was made perfect in weakness.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh. We may make guesses of what it was, but whether it was caused him poor eyesight or pain in the thigh, Lord knows. He did not allow it to be put in the scriptures. Paul said, "There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. The messenger of Satan to buffet me, less I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul response was "Most gladly will I glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Satan tried to work in Paul's weakness to destroy his confidence in God, to discourage him, and distract him from his work. Satan is also at work in our troubles to try to destroy our confidence in God. However, the Lord is at work through our pain to accomplish His good work in us.
God does not want us to be conceited, but He wants us to keep our eyes on Him. Not self-seeking, not doing our own thing, but trust in the power of our God. Paul has the assurance that God has given him. "My grace is sufficient for thee."
May the God of all comfort, who comfort us in all our trials, comfort you, as we are about to enter the final days of this wonderful season of the year when we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
