II Corinthians 12:7 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.
Paul was very concerned about the spiritual condition of the members of this church. But he also knew he needed to not become self-righteous and compare himself to them. He knew God took care of that. Like the old church joke goes about pastors: "Lord, you keep him humble, and we'll keep him poor." For Paul and the Corinthians, that was a reality. But Paul was not complaining; he realized God was doing what was best for him - drawing him into fuller trust and contentment. He wished for the Corinthians the same thing.
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