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His Grace is Sufficient

Funke Otiwhor Ajigboye
Sep 22
3 min read

2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

The Thorn in Paul's Flesh

When Paul talked about a thorn in his flesh, I picture a big, sharp thorn causing him constant pain and discomfort. We might not know exactly what this thorn was, but it clearly troubled him deeply—something he couldn't just ignore!

What Did Paul Do About the Thorn?

Paul didn’t just sit there! He prayed three times for God to take away this painful thorn. He really wanted to be free from it!

What Was the Answer to Paul's Prayers?

God's response was unexpected: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Although this wasn't the answer Paul anticipated, he embraced it. He joyfully declared, “I will boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b).

What Is God's Grace?

God's grace is like a divine gift—unearned and freely given. It’s God's favor and mercy that helps us, especially in our weaknesses. Paul realized that this thorn was a way to keep him humble and reliant on God's strength rather than his own.

When we admit our weaknesses and surrender to God, His power shines through! That’s why Paul was proud of his weaknesses; he wanted to experience the protective power of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Remember, we can’t do it all on our own. We need God's grace to navigate life’s journey. It’s God’s love in action!

Ephesians 2:8 says "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

God's grace is the incredible gift of salvation. Even when we feel unworthy, God sent Jesus to die for us, offering eternal life. This grace washes away our sins and reconciles us with God—what a precious gift!

Romans 5:15 says "But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many."

Grace gives us victory over sin! James 4:6 reminds us, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble."

Grace also brings us everlasting comfort and hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:16 tells us, "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace."

Jesus embodies God's grace and truth. John 1:14 says, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

Grace helps us in our times of need. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Indeed, God's grace is more than enough for you! Like Paul, trust in God and be proud of your weaknesses, knowing His grace will always be sufficient.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come boldly before your throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy to find grace in my time of need. I thank you Lord Jesus for your grace is sufficient for me and that when I am weak, then am I strong, in Jesus name.