But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan’s messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. Three times I prayed to the LORD about this and asked him to take it away. But his answer was: "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

The apostle Paul struggled with his physical ailment, but he found that in his weakness he could experience the power of Christ. All of us have struggles. They may be related to age, finances, relationships, or a host of other difficulties. If we can truly set our heart to trusting God, and if we stay thankful even in the midst of our troubles, we will be more likely to acknowledge that we really can’t complain. God is in full control.

As you go through life,

concentrate on the roses instead of the thorns.

Our Daily Bread – May 28, 2003