For When I Am Weak, Then Am I Strong

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. 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. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

    Three times in definite, dedicated, and sincere prayer, Paul asked the Lord to deliver him from this affliction, to remove it from him; but the Lord refused, telling Paul that his grace was sufficient to support him and uphold him under any trial or circumstance. Besides, God's strength and grace are never more glorified or appreciated than when we are made to realize and fee our own weakness and inability! Therefore, Paul said, “I will all the more rejoice in and accept my weaknesses and infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon and be revealed in me; for when I am weak in myself and aware of my inability, then the Lord reveals his grace, his wisdom, and his power; and this is my real strength!”