I. Let Difficulties Drive You To God In Prayer. (vs. 7-8)
Paul prayed three times. He prayed dramatically, correctly, confidently, sincerely, persistently and specifically.
It is a privilege for us to be able to take everything to God in prayer.
God answers all our prayers. He either says, “No”, “Yes”, or “Wait”.
II. Let Difficulties Direct You To God’s Grace. (vs. 9)
God promised Paul His grace. His grace would be enough. Paul was told God’s grace was personal, present, and plentiful.
God’s grace is not a disappearing cream you rub on your problems and they disappear.
III. Let Difficulties Help You Discover God’s Great Strength. (vs. 9b-10)
God not only wanted to display His grace to Paul, but He wanted Paul to discover His power.
When you reach the point there is no where else to turn but to God, then the power of God can flow.
Paul came to understand he would rather have the thorn and be covered by the power of God, than to be trouble-free, living on his own.
The problem with believers today is when troubles show up, we demand release and insist on our own way. We never really discover God’s great strength in our lives.
Paul did not permit his “thorn” to become a stumbling block.
He rather let it become a stepping-stone.