God With Us in Our Weakness
Pastor Doug Heisel – Dec 21, 2025
2 Corinthians 12:6-10 – Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations.
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Flipping the Script on Weakness and Frustration
1. BRING: In prayer, bring ALL your needs to the Lord, accepting His INVITATION for endless grace and mercy.
Hebrews 4:16 – So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
(vs 8) – Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
2. LISTEN: Stop and listen for a WORD God will give you.
(vs 9a) – But He said to me…
God can say…
YES!
NOT YET.
NO. I have something better for you or to do through you.
3. TRUST: If God chooses to LEVERAGE your weaknesses and frustrations, rather than REMOVE them, trust Him.
(vs 9b) – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
(vs 7b) – Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
4. REPLACE : Stop DEFINING yourself by your weakness and limitations. Instead, declare God’s grace and strength at work in you.
(vs 10) – That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
NEXT WEEK: God With Us In Our Failure
SAVE THE DATE: January 11 – Special guest, Bob Goff
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: If you were given one “free day” to do something that relaxes or refreshes you, where would you go and how would you use the day?
DIGGING IN: As we all know, life is not filled with “free days.” In fact, everyone one of us will face challenges that often feel overwhelming. The good news is, Scripture has something to say to us about our weakness, frustrations, and persistent problems. Begin by reading 2 Corinthians 12:6-10.
1. Even though we don’t know specifically what Paul was dealing with, list some words he uses to describe it. What are some common problems (“thorns”) we can face?
2. Review points 1 and 2 in these notes. Is there, or has there been something you wanted God to remove but He did something else instead—maybe giving you a word? Explain.
3. Review and discuss point 3. What verbal complaints need to be overwritten with some faith declarations? Explain.
BRINGING IT HOME: Jesus wants to develop you into a you that looks more like Him and less like the world. That takes some time. Keep these notes somewhere in front of you. Apply them again and again to the problems and weaknesses you face. Watch how the Lord uses your faith and trust to bring greater maturity and wholeness into your life and relationships.