Title: When I Was Weak
Let us consider three important things to remember about the apostle Paul's attitude when he was weakened by a thorn.
1. The Apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord.
Verse 8 says, “Three times I supplicated the Lord that it should depart from me.” When Paul had a problem, he did not try to solve it on his own. I brought it to the Lord and prayed earnestly. The first step to solving problems is to pray. What did Jesus say to a person who was troubled and worried about a problem? “Can you increase your height by one cubit just because you are concerned?” Worrying about it is of no use.
Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you will glorify me.” What should we do in times of trouble? He said, “Call me.” We must seek the Lord. At that time, He clearly promised, “I will rescue you.” He has clearly stated that our tribulation can be changed into an opportunity for blessings that glorify God. What thorns do you have? Don't worry and bring everything to the Lord. Make up your mind every morning and pray to the Lord. The Lord's answer will be with you. We must keep in mind that the first step in solving a problem is not to solve it on our own, but to bring it to the Lord and pray and ask.
2. The Apostle Paul received great grace while praying.
3. Rather, he rejoiced greatly at the thorn and became proud of his weakness.
Verse 9 says, “Therefore, with great rejoicing, I will boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore, for Christ’s sake, I rejoice in weaknesses, in reproach, in privation, in persecutions, and in hardship, because when I am weak, It is strength.” When I am weak, the power of the Lord is fully revealed, so that I can become stronger. Knowing that fact, Paul was rather pleased with the thorn in the flesh that he had. I was able to brag about myself, which was weakened by the thorn.
As we go through life, there are times when we experience thorns like this and that. Sometimes that thorn makes us weak. In times like these, we need to show the image and attitude of a right believer. What attitude should I have?
1. We must pray. Instead of trying to solve the problem on my own, I have to bring everything to the Lord.
2. You must receive grace. We can overcome the thorn only when we receive enough grace. I realize that the thorns are good for me.
3. I have to go up to the level where I can rejoice over the thorns and show off my weakness.
Weakened by thorns? I pray that your wounds will multiply and become glory by holding on to the belief that you can become strong because the power of the Lord is fully revealed when I am weak.