2 Corinthians 12:9 English Standard Version (ESV) 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.

The sufficiency of grace is a mystery to the hurting and needful. Pain and suffering heightens self-interest. At the core of sin is selfishness. Paul had an affliction and prayed for its removal. This verse was the Lord’s answer.

Many of us pray for relief of those things that concern us, real or imagined. In those human conditions is a desire for relief and our first instinct is to find relief in self-effort.

Luke 4:23 English Standard Version (ESV) And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’”

“He has healed others, why not me?” That is the instinct of self-interest. It refuses to look to grace as a sufficient answer. What grace does above and beyond our suffering is masked by self-interest. Paul accepts the Word of the Lord and changes his attitude. There is more going on in Paul’s life than his particular ailment.

Have you ever noticed Paul’s greeting in his letters? Often times a partner is noted. There is Silvanus, Timothy and Sosthenes of which Timothy may be the best known to us. They were present to help Paul in his affliction, gracious gifts from God, sufficient unto the task at hand. Then there was Apollos.

1 Corinthians 3:6 English Standard Version (ESV) I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

Apollos was so well known in the early ministries that he had a following, not unlike some present day preachers.

1 Corinthians 4:6 English Standard Version (ESV) I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

His Word is sufficient.