An extraordinary vision of paradise sets the stage, but the focus quickly shifts to a thorn in the flesh—a painful, humbling reminder of total dependence on God. Despite pleading for relief, God does not answer as Paul expects. Instead of removing the “thorn” (whatever it may have been) God reveals, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” True strength is not found in ecstatic experiences or spiritual highs, but in trusting the sufficiency of Christ amidst weakness.

The Rev. Matthew Lorfeld, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 12.

To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnkellner.org.

What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within?

On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul’s most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected].