7
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
10
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
"Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him
humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of
the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in
the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But
God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our
enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us
from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to
cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger
of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it
for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady;
and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give
ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor
to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us
to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer.
Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what
is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies
in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet,
if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace
signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to
enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all
afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our
weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak
in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ;
when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ,
receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine
strength and grace."
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