When Life Presses In
Life has a way of pressing us in ways we never expect. Sometimes it feels like the very ground we stand on is shifting, leaving us unsteady. The Apostle Paul knew this feeling well when he spoke about his “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:6–10. He begged God to take it away, but the Lord’s response was simple and profound:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul’s story reminds us that hardships aren’t just interruptions to life—they are invitations. They are moments where God’s strength is displayed most clearly in our weakness.
What Circumstances Teach Us
Life “life-ing” can catch us by surprise. But Scripture grounds us in several realities about the circumstances we face:
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Circumstances are normal, not strange.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
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Circumstances reveal who we really are.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
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Circumstances refine our values.
“…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3–4)
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Circumstances smooth rough edges.
“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction…” (Isaiah 48:10–11)
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Circumstances don’t last forever.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
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Even in the worst circumstances, God is present.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? … even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7–10)
Two Anchors for Believers
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God takes responsibility for those who trust Him.
Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow because our heavenly Father knows what we need (Matthew 6:31–33). If we seek His kingdom first, He takes care of the rest.
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Your circumstance is God’s platform for His glory.
Paul’s thorn became the very backdrop for God’s grace to shine. What looked like weakness turned into a testimony of divine strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Four Lessons from Paul’s Thorn (2 Corinthians 12)
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Suffering Promotes Humility (v. 7).
God allowed Paul’s thorn so he wouldn’t become proud. Sometimes trials remind us that we are dependent, not self-sufficient.
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Suffering Draws Us to God (v. 8).
Paul prayed repeatedly for relief. His pain didn’t push him from God—it pulled him closer. Trials can turn us into deeper pray-ers.
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Grace is Always Enough (v. 9).
God may not remove the struggle, but He promises sufficient grace. Not barely enough—overflowing enough.
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Weakness Opens the Door to Power (vv. 9–10).
The paradox of the Christian life is this: when we are weak, Christ’s power rests on us. Paul could even delight in weakness, because it was the meeting point between his need and Christ’s strength.
Embracing the Journey
The Christian life isn’t about escaping trials; it’s about encountering God in the middle of them. Hardship humbles us, drives us into prayer, teaches us to depend on grace, and becomes the stage for God’s power to shine.
So when life presses you, don’t lose heart. Your circumstances are not the conclusion—they are the canvas where God paints His glory.
