2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me -- to keep me from exalting myself!

8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

How many times have we prayed for a miracle, for God to remove some suffering that we have? If you’re like me, the answer is a lot. We often look at prayer (incorrectly) as a solution for our problems. That’s exactly what Paul did here.

Could God have removed Paul’s problem in a split second? Of course! But God did not answer Paul’s prayer. Remember, what God does not remove, He intends for us to bear!

After praying for the removal three times, Paul finally turns to the one place where the solution lies: what God had already said to him!

Many times we look to God to miraculously solve our problems, but usually He has already given us what we need to go through the problem, because He knew we were going to have to handle it:

1 Corinthians 10:13

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (not necessarily get out of it!)

When Paul (finally) makes the application of the principles he had already learned, look what happened: he was well content with all kinds of problems! The solution for every problem we will ever face has already been given to us by God. It’s all a question of thinking His viewpoint instead of ours.

Philippians 2:5

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Remember this principle: It’s a lot easier for God to solve your problem with a miracle. That only requires HIS will. For us to use the solutions in the Word of God that He has already given us requires His will and our will! Therefore, God is glorified MORE when we go through adversity, and use the principles we’ve learned from the Word of God to get through it, than He is if He simply solves our problems by Himself!