(Read Genesis 50)
Jesus, drawing from Deuteronomy, replied to Satan, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:7). If anyone understands God’s commands perfectly, it is Jesus. Despite enduring a grueling 40 days in the wilderness without food and facing physical and emotional torment, He resisted Satan’s temptations. Humanly speaking, it might seem understandable to yield under such extreme conditions. Satan’s goal was clear: to break Jesus, to be worshiped, and to corrupt Him with sin. He wanted to strip Jesus of His divine authority and reduce Him from the sinless Messiah to an ordinary, flawed man.
But God.
Twice in the past few months, I’ve “knocked on wood” while talking about how my migraines had disappeared. Ironically, both times were during doctor’s appointments—and both times, I got a migraine shortly afterward. I’m not saying God punished me for treating my good health as random, earned, or outside His plan, but God might have been trying to get my attention. My actions may sometimes influence the ups and downs of my life, but they are always under the guidance of God’s sovereignty.
I’ve suffered from migraines for many years. They used to strike a few times a year, then increased to once or twice a month. A few years ago, they began arriving in clusters, overwhelming me. Through lifestyle changes and new medications, I thought I had them under control. I wouldn’t wish a migraine on my worst enemy, and while I can often function through them, they’re relentless.
The last time I knocked on wood and was hit with a grueling, day-and-a-half migraine, I realized there might be a greater purpose behind it all. Perhaps there’s more at work here than whether I feel good or not.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Books have been written about what Paul meant in the phrase “thorn in my flesh.” Many scholars believe it was a metaphor for the persecution he suffered because of his mission, or perhaps it was scrutiny and ridicule from others in his circle since he wasn’t one of the original Apostles. It could have been more physical in nature, referring to chronic illness, vision problems, epilepsy, cluster headaches, and even migraines. I’m not suggesting my life compares to Paul’s, nor am I equating my migraines with the trials the great Gospel proclaimer faced. However, God placed a phrase in 2 Corinthians that resonates deeply with both of our experiences: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This truth goes beyond circumstances, reminding us that God’s strength is fully revealed even in our struggles.
That phrase encapsulates a profound spiritual truth about God’s provision and strength that shouldn’t be missed. Even in our weaknesses and struggles, God’s grace is enough to sustain me, and His power is made perfect through my vulnerabilities. It encourages me to embrace my weaknesses and depend on God’s strength, knowing He will use my many limitations to demonstrate His power in my life. God’s grace alone should remind me that His unmerited favor, love, and sustaining power are all (Paul and) I need to endure challenges, weaknesses, and suffering. Instead of removing the thorn, God assures me that His grace will provide me the strength to persevere and grow through the ordeal. Instead of removing the thorn, God uses the distress to deepen my reliance on Him.
Paul showed that true strength comes from surrendering to God’s power. When we give our struggles to Him, it becomes clear that the victory belongs to God, not our efforts. The phrase “made perfect” refers to God’s power being fully realized and complete in our lives. His glory shines brightest in our moments of weakness as we lean on Him for strength.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20
Joseph had a myriad of reasons to complain to God. He was dealt with the harshness of slavery, imprisonment, and threats of death. But God was orchestrating something far greater than Joseph, his family, or his people could have imagined. He actually has a bigger plan for all of us too. Joseph thought he was going to be killed, and almost was when his brothers beat him up and threw him into an empty cistern. He thought he would be lost to a life in bondage to the nomadic Ishmaelites. After being accused of rape of Potiphar’s wife, he never thought he would see the light of freedom again.
As a younger man, Joseph had ego problems, frequently acting out the favorite son routine with his brothers. Sometimes, we don’t think things through, which can cause our own challenges. But that’s just the point; these trials and setbacks are not surprises to God. He either allows or orchestrates them to bring about His desired outcome and, more significantly, our good. Bad things will always happen to us, but God turns them into something eternally good and beneficial.
Later, when staring down his groveling brothers who bowed to him in Egypt, Joseph recognized that God controls all circumstances, even those that are unjust and harmful. His ability to forgive his brothers, despite the pain they had caused him, is a remarkable example of what Christ described as love and compassion. Joseph’s story shows that God can use the worst circumstances to accomplish His good purposes. God’s plans are always greater than our own, and even in the darkest times, we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty. None of this excuses the brothers’ wrongdoing, but it demonstrates that God’s plans are never thwarted. God often uses our individual trials for the benefit of a larger cause. Challenges may have a purpose beyond what we can see at the moment. They prepare us for future roles or help others in ways we don’t yet understand.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
Jesus’ message to His disciples contrasts human limitations with God’s infinite possibilities. It emphasizes that while mankind may face seemingly insurmountable challenges, God can overcome any obstacle. This promise offers hope and encouragement that God’s power prevails no matter how difficult a situation may seem. Jesus was teaching his listeners that, ultimately, salvation and spiritual transformation are not achievable through human efforts but are gifts of God’s grace.
My cousin (L) has had her share of bumps and bruises over the years. Broken bones and surgeries, to name a few. Then, just this week, she broke both elbows in a “yardsale” fall. She isn’t allowed to move either arm for up to 6 weeks or more. Her husband helps her with everything! Putting on clothes, eating, scratching her nose, and worse. If it were anyone but her, I would be seriously worried about her state of mind. Not (L). She is so connected with God; I have no doubts about who she is venting to, talking and crying with every hour of her day. (L) may even be facing surgery to put pins in her arms. Without question, her life is under a winepress right now, but God will usher her through. Through the uncertainty and discomfort, God will be there. Through the sleepless nights, He gently whispers to her that she will get to the other side of this. She sees a mess; God sees a stepping stone. “But with God, all things are possible.”
In comparison, my migraines are nothing more than inconveniences—especially when weighed against what (L) is now facing. They pale in comparison to the battles of loved ones dealing with cancer, kidney stones, inability to walk, legal struggles, or caring for aging parents. Through this journey, I’ve realized that God calls me to rely more on Him and less on my own strength. He wants me knocking on His door, not those “wooden” ones of doctor’s offices. Even if migraines remain a part of my life until the end—or even worsen—I now see something far more significant. More piercing than the aura that precedes my headaches, I see the grace of God.
Satan’s biggest goal is to win over the souls of people who love Jesus. The tempter wants us to give in, to take the lesser path, the shortcuts, the roads that lead us to an easier way but not to the finish line. Jesus doesn’t want us to stop pushing. He wants us to know that there is hope and even glory in the struggle. Our biggest trials, while horrible and demoralizing, don’t define us. We’re not our weaknesses or our maladies. Thanks to Christ, we’re greater than that. Our trials, limitations, fears, pain, and anxiety only get us so far, but God finishes the work we can’t do and brings us to Salvation.
But God.
Revel in these two priceless words. Every thing, sweet and bitter, that will occur between now and the moment of your death God will work for your good (Romans 8:28), and every glorious pleasure that you will ever enjoy in your future eternal life in his presence (Psalm 16:11) because of the gospel of these two words: “but God.”
Jon Bloom serves as teacher and cofounder of Desiring God
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Key Applications:
- Trust God in difficult times. When facing hardship, remember that God can turn every situation into something good. Pray that you can gain a Godly perspective of your trials. Ask God to help you get through and take one more step.
- Forgive Others. Like Joseph, we are called to let go of bitterness and trust God’s justice and plans. Through and after this election, there has been more observable hatred than ever. Instead of proving your point or being right, pray with your antagonist. Remember the things you love about each other. There is greater work you can do with someone than against them.
- Challenges may have a purpose beyond what we can see at the moment. They can prepare us for future roles or help others in ways we don’t yet understand. See the Bigger Picture.