He is Sufficient

Dear friend,

Sometimes things simply do not go the way we want them to, even when we have asked God for help. If you have had this experience, you are not alone. In fact, you are in good company.

The apostle Paul had a problem. We are not entirely sure what it was. He calls it a “thorn in the flesh.” This has caused many commentators to think it must have been some kind of a physical aliment, but we cannot be certain. Whatever it was, we know he asked God to take it away. Paul says, “Three times I prayed to the Lord about this (the thorn) that it should leave me” (2 Cor. 12:8). What was God’s answer? Apparently he said, “No, I will not take it away.” Although the Bible does not say so, I suppose Paul must have responded with a very natural, “Why not Lord?” God answers the potential question saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9a).

Sometimes, God allows us to continue struggling with something so we will remember to find happiness, satisfaction, and peace in Christ only. This is what the apostle decides to do. Instead of complaining against the Lord he says, “For the sake of Christ I will be content with weakness, insults, hardship, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). And why is he strong? Because the power of Jesus Christ is preparing him for all eternity!

So there really is no such thing as unanswered prayer. God always answers for our good (Rom. 8:28). Sometimes, however, he gives a “no” answer so we remember not to look for contentment apart from our Savior Jesus. He is, after all, sufficient for us!

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder