The apostle Paul had something in his life that was distressing to him. Whether it was some habitual sin, personal weakness, or illness, it is not disclosed. He asked God to remove it three times. God did not take away this distressing issue from Paul, but rather told Paul that it remains with him so that God’s grace would be revealed.
II Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When we are sad, God’s grace encourages us. When we are weak, God’s grace gives us strength. When we are fearful, God’s grace gives us courage. When we worry, God’s grace gives us peace. Whatever we are going through, God’s grace gives us what we need to keep going.
Reluctant Retiree 