WHEN HEALING COMES THROUGH GOD'S SUSTAINING GRACE

“So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times, I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

— 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NLT)

Have you ever prayed for healing that didn’t come?

Paul, one of the greatest apostles, was familiar with that feeling. He describes a “thorn in the flesh”—an affliction that tormented him. Although we don’t know exactly what this thorn was, we do know that Paul pleaded three times for God to remove it. However, God’s answer wasn’t the immediate relief Paul had hoped for. Instead, God responded with a promise:

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

The Purpose Behind the Thorn

Paul’s affliction was not meaningless. God allowed it to remain—not as a punishment—but to protect Paul from pride and to remind him of his dependence on divine grace. Sometimes, God doesn’t remove the “thorn” because He is doing something far greater in us. He is shaping our character, deepening our faith, and drawing us closer to Him.

Grace in the Midst of Pain

God’s grace doesn’t always look like immediate healing. Sometimes, His grace sustains us in the pain rather than removing it. It’s in those moments of weakness—when we feel like we can’t go on—that His power is most clearly revealed. Paul didn’t just endure his thorn; he learned to rejoice in his weakness because it allowed Christ’s power to work through him.

A Personal Reminder of God’s Presence

I’ve experienced this firsthand. Recently, I had a health scare when my doctor found a mass. The days of waiting for the ultrasound were filled with anxiety and fear. One night, as I lay awake around 3 AM, unable to sleep, I remembered the words of Philippians 4:6:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” — Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

With these words in my heart, I began praying, talking to God about my fears and asking Him to help me surrender it all into His hands.

And God showed up ...

At my appointment, I was met by a kind and compassionate ultrasound technician. As she spoke, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful cross necklace she was wearing—a gentle but powerful reminder that Jesus was with me, just as 2 Thessalonians 3:16 promises:

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT)

In that moment, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. After the test, the specialist came in and told me something I didn’t expect:

“We can’t find the mass.”

I was in shock. I knew it had been there—I had felt it. But now, it was gone. Even now, I’m still in awe of how God met me in that season of fear and uncertainty, reminding me that His grace is enough.

Rest in His Sufficiency

Today, if you’re carrying a thorn—a pain, a struggle, a burden—know that God sees it. He hasn’t forgotten you. His grace is sustaining you, and His power is at work within you. Lean into His grace. Let His strength fill your weakness. Even when the thorn remains, His grace will always be enough.

Exploring Your Journey with Christ: Personal Questions to Uncover God's Grace in Your Struggles

• What “thorns” are you currently facing in your life?

  How can you see God’s grace being sufficient even in these struggles?

• In what ways can you surrender these difficulties to God and allow His strength to be made perfect in your weakness?

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. As you face each day, remember that His grace is sufficient for you, His power made perfect in your weakness. Be blessed, be brave, and be a beacon of God’s love and strength.

Lord, thank You that Your grace is sufficient in my weakness. Help me to trust in Your sustaining power even when my prayers for relief are not answered in the way I expect. Let Your strength be made perfect in my weakness, and help me find peace in Your presence. Amen.

We’d love to hear your stories of how God's grace has been evident in your life. Please share your experiences in the comment section to encourage others and build a community of faith and support. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to receive more inspiring stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.