One of the cruellest insinuations made about Paul was that he was under the manifest displeasure of God. His attackers pointed to his thorn in the flesh, in verse 7 it is not clear what this was but the terms used are physical and the indications are that it was excruciating. Paul is forced to explain how it is that he has this disability, and in doing so he breaks a self-imposed silence of 14 years. Fourteen years ago he, "a man in Christ", had a stupendous experience. He was caught up to the third heaven and saw things impossible to communicate in human language. Paul's amazing humility comes out in that he kept silent for so long about something which others would have shouted from the rooftops. There had been a possibility of pride, and the LORD had taken effective steps.

Paul was given that which proved both painful and humbling. He prayed to the LORD three times for its removal, addressing Him who, in the days of His flesh, had three times prayed to the Father, "take away this cup from me". The answer came, v.9. The words "He said" imply that the answer was repeated and final. It was valid for the apostle's whole life. The thorn was not taken away, but then there are two methods of lightening a burden. Its actual weight can be lessened, or the strength of the shoulder that bears it can be increased. The latter was the Lord's way with Paul. Sufficient grace and strength was promised.

The promise is recorded in the present tense; It is ours today. His grace is still sufficient, and it corresponds to our needs, never too much, never too little; never to soon, never too late. "My grace", said the LORD. What grace was his! He was "full of grace and truth". And that grace is available to us today. Once Paul realised that the thorn was part of God's purpose for his life, his whole attitude changed. The thorn saved him from spiritual pride, made him conscious of his weaknesses, and made available to him new reservoirs of spiritual power. Through Paul's weakness, God's power perfect already, was perfected in its manifestations, and operations. God's power still operates in conscious human weakness. As we go about our daily lives - do we realise what God is doing for us each day? He has a wonderful plan for everyone, and interwoven in that plan is the sufficiency to meet all our needs. What a wonderful Saviour!