II Corinthians 12

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (v10).  Paul explained to the Corinthians that spiritual revelations were wonderful (v1-4), but real spiritual growth happens when our sufferings and troubles drive us to depend more deeply on the Lord.  Paul didn’t want his “thorn in the flesh,” but eventually he became grateful for this (unnamed) pain or struggle, because it kept him “from being conceited” (v7) and forced him to rely on God’s power.

When we recognize our own limitations, then our hearts are open to “the power of Christ” (v9) to work in us and through us.