Today’s readings came from Psalm 73:23–26, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Philippians 4:19.

Psalm 73:23–26 says:

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us:

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Philippians 4:19 declares:

“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Observing the Word

As I meditated on these scriptures, a few truths stood out to me:

• Grace covers everything – every trial, every thorn in our flesh.
• Grace is strength – God’s strength is made available in our weakness.
• Grace is sufficient – even if the thorn remains, His power sustains us.
• Needs vs. desires – Philippians 4:19 promises to meet all of our needs, not every desire.

Paul’s story showed me that weakness is not failure—it’s access. His infirmities became the doorway to experiencing the strength and power of God in a way he never could have on his own.

God’s Answer Might Look Different

Before this revelation, Paul pleaded three times for the Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh. God answered, but not in the way Paul expected. Instead of removing the thorn, He gave grace—fresh, sufficient grace for every moment.

That’s when I realized: God provides relief in two ways—

1. By removing the burden, or
2. By strengthening us to carry it.

For Paul, God chose the second. And often, that’s what He chooses for us too.

Making It Personal

Here’s the application I took away today:

• Sometimes God doesn’t remove my burden because it’s the very thing that keeps me relying on Him.
• He chooses to strengthen me just as He did Paul—to carry the burden instead of removing it.
• To believe His grace is sufficient, I must first admit that I am insufficient.
• My role is to stop relying on myself and fully lean into Him.

God’s promise is clear: He will supply all my needs. Needs like food, water, clothing, and shelter—not every passing desire.

My Thorn in This Season

For me, a current thorn has been answering the call to ministry. Stepping away from a career of 15 years with a very comfortable salary has stretched me in ways I never imagined.

Now, I’m learning a whole new lesson of true dependence on the Lord—especially financially—in a way I’ve never had to before. Some days, I’m tempted to take matters into my own hands and return to that career. But God keeps reminding me: “My grace is sufficient. I will supply all of your needs.”

Even though it feels like a thorn, I know this season is strengthening my faith and teaching me reliance on Him like never before.

A Present Faith

It’s often easier to believe in grace for the past (what He already carried us through) or the future (trusting He will sustain us). But resting in grace for today—for the pressing needs in front of us—requires deeper faith.

Paul’s thorn kept him dependent on God daily, and that dependence became his strength.

I’m learning to welcome the thorns, because they drive me to lean fully on Him.

Reflection

As I close, the Lord impressed on me to ask: What is the thorn in your flesh right now? What is the thing you’ve been asking Him to remove that He has chosen to let remain?

Instead of resisting it, lean into the strength He provides.

Challenge for you today: Write down one “thorn” you’ve been wrestling with, and then write a prayer asking God to show you how His grace is sustaining you through it.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for the thorns in my flesh that invite Your power to rest on me. Thank You for strengthening me instead of removing every burden. Forgive me for my self-reliance and for doubting that Your grace is sufficient. Thank You for supplying all my needs according to Your riches in glory. Strengthen me daily and show Your glory through my weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Takeaway: Grace isn’t just a concept—it’s the very strength of God meeting you in your weakness. His grace is sufficient.

Resources I Use

These are a few tools that help me stay grounded in the Word during my quiet time:

• Love God Greatly SOAP Journal – my daily resource for scripture study using Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
• Black Post-it Notes + Metallic Pens – perfect for writing out memory verses and keeping them in sight as reminders of God’s promises.
• Bible App + Enduring Word Commentary – helpful for comparing translations and gaining deeper understanding of scripture.

I pray these resources bless you in your own walk with God. 💛