2Cor 12:7-10 | MHM | STEP | v. 7 : Paul explains that God allowed him to have a "thorn in the flesh," a messenger of Satan to trouble him. This was to keep him from becoming proud because of his great spiritual experiences. Paul does not say exactly what this "thorn" was, but it caused him pain and kept him humble ( And lest I should be exalted above measure... there was given to me a thorn in the flesh , 2 Corinthians 12:7 ).

‏ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

v. 7: Paul explains that God allowed him to have a "thorn in the flesh," a messenger of Satan to trouble him. This was to keep him from becoming proud because of his great spiritual experiences. Paul does not say exactly what this "thorn" was, but it caused him pain and kept him humble (And lest I should be exalted above measure... there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, 2 Corinthians 12:7 ^a).

v. 8: Paul says he prayed to the Lord three times, asking for this problem to be taken away. When we suffer, we should also pray and ask God for help (For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me, 2 Corinthians 12:8 ^b).

v. 9: God answered Paul’s prayer by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul learns that God’s help is enough, even if the problem does not go away. Paul decides to be glad in his weaknesses, so that Christ’s power can rest on him (My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness,.

v. 10: Paul says he takes pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles for Christ’s sake. When he is weak, then he is truly strong because God’s power is working in him (Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities... for when I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Corinthians 12:10 ^c).