thinking bible.

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how do other new testament figures, like paul, articulate their struggles with suffering or apparent divine silence?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

By the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted. Concerning this thing, I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The apostle Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a community he helped establish, to defend his apostleship and explain his personal experiences. In this section, he describes a mysterious affliction he calls a “thorn in the flesh” and shares a personal encounter with God regarding this suffering.

What does it mean for 'power' to be 'made perfect in weakness' in your own life?

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Read alongside it

  • Romans 8:18

    Paul speaks of present sufferings being incomparable to future glory.

  • Philippians 4:11-13

    Paul shares how he has learned contentment in all circumstances, even through lack and hardship.

  • Hebrews 12:7-11

    This passage speaks of suffering as discipline that yields a harvest of righteousness.

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