Main Thought
Pain and suffering come in different shapes and sizes. These things range from being inconvenient to being dangerous; from mildly frustrating to life-threatening. We’re all suffering through something. You might’ve wondered whether your suffering was caused by the Devil, or if God sent trouble your way to teach you. Both might be true to an extent. The Devil attacks us, but God allows it so that we can experience His “sufficient grace.” In God’s sufficient grace, He strikes a mysterious and grand balance. God provides us with supernatural help, and with opportunities to grow into the best versions of ourselves. These things give us hope and purpose in the midst of our pain. We respond by shifting our perspective, by praying, and by practicing actions and attitudes that honor God.
Main Passages
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Discussion Questions
What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?
How do you typically respond to difficulties in life?
What do you want God to do for you in a current trial? What might God want to do in your relationship with him, your knowledge or skills, or your character?
Apply
Meditate on a new perspective or decide on a new course of action to support whatever God might be doing in your life. Pray for the strength to persevere.