IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 12:9a

First, visions and revelations from the Lord (1-7a). Paul went on to speak of inexpressible visions and revelations he had received. They were from the Lord, but Paul did not want to boast about such things. Regarding the visions, Paul referred to himself in the third person. He restrained himself from boasting about such things. The visions and revelations, even from the Lord, did not define him. Rather it was through Paul's weaknesses that God revealed himself and his gospel to the world.

Second, a thorn in my flesh (7b-10). Paul spoke of a thorn in his flesh without being specific, describing it as a messenger from Satan to torment him. He pleaded with the Lord for relief from his torment. Instead he received God's word: "My grace is sufficient for you..." Paul would experience all kinds of weakness in this world. That was the very place that God's power was revealed. That is where Paul was strong, for in his weakness God fulfilled his desire in Paul, and the power of his grace was revealed.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, so often I desire some vision or some relief in this world. Help me to learn the sufficiency of your grace, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

One Word: When I am weak, then I am strong