AFFLICTION

According to Scripture, Paul suffered a physical infirmity intended to keep him humble ... There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (2 Corinthians 12:7) 

The Bible doesn't reveal the exact nature of the 'thorn'. This is so that we can focus on the underlying message rather than the specifics of Paul's chronic condition. His plea for relief is something we relate to on a personal level ... For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (2 Corinthians 12:8)

Though God's purpose isn't spelled out to our satisfaction, He asks that we trust Him. The apostle didn't get a lengthy explanation for his malady, but did receive a profound promise ... And He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness'. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

He acknowledged the Lord's sovereign will by surrendering everything into His hands ... Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Three truths from this passage stand out: 

1. Humility in those who serve the Lord is enormously important to Him. 

2. Satan is allowed to create weakness in us so that we'll depend on God.

3. Christianity is no guarantee of health, wealth, or prosperity.

Spurgeon - Are you mourning over your own weakness? Take courage, for there must be a consciousness of weakness before the Lord will give thee victory. Your emptiness is but the preparation for your being filled, and your casting down is but the making ready for your lifting up. God does not always change a situation by removing an affliction; He chooses rather to change the heart and mind of the one afflicted.