The Gospel & Suffering: Paul

In our journey through life, suffering and pain often challenge our faith and understanding of God's purpose. This message, based on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, delves into the paradox of suffering and how God's grace is made perfect in our weakness. Paul’s experience of being taken up to the 'third heaven' and receiving a 'thorn in the flesh' serves as a profound lesson. The thorn, a 'messenger of Satan,' kept Paul humble and reliant on God's grace, teaching us that spiritual highs do not protect us from suffering but prepare us for it. God's response to Paul, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,' highlights that our strength comes from Him. This message challenges us to embrace our weaknesses, resist pride, persist in prayer, and trust in God's purpose, even when we don't understand it. Through our suffering, we can experience God's grace in profound ways and become more like Jesus.