For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Paul earnestly besought the Lord three times that the thorn in his flesh might depart from him. The thorn was a bodily affliction, identified as poor eyesight. The Lord did not remove the affliction but answered with sufficient grace to give strength to bear the trial. Paul therefore rejoiced in his weakness and infirmities because Christ's power rested upon him.
A continuing, troubling affliction like this can deepen a person's sense of dependence on God. Such an affliction is to be borne without murmuring and with trust in God. A prayer for relief may be answered not with the requested removal or healing but with grace to endure.
Paul earnestly besought the Lord three times that the thorn in his flesh might depart from him. The thorn was a bodily affliction, identified as poor eyesight. The Lord did not remove the affliction but answered with sufficient grace to give strength to bear the trial. Paul therefore rejoiced in his weakness and infirmities because Christ's power rested upon him.
A continuing, troubling affliction like this can deepen a person's sense of dependence on God. Such an affliction is to be borne without murmuring and with trust in God. A prayer for relief may be answered not with the requested removal or healing but with grace to endure.