The Power in the Pain – Why God Let Paul Suffer

Why would God allow someone as faithful as Paul to suffer? In this episode, we explore the mystery of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” from 2 Corinthians 12:7–9—and what it means when God says no to healing, but yes to grace. If you’ve ever begged God to remove something painful and felt unheard, this message is for you. You’ll learn how God redefines weakness, why His power shows up best in brokenness, and how grace is not just a concept—it’s a covering.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hey Fam, Welcome back to the JESUS LOVES YOU Podcast.

(00:04):
Today we’re talking about something that can be hard to understand—why God allows pain to remain in our lives,
even after we pray.
Why did God let Paul suffer?
And what does that mean for us when we’re in the middle of something we desperately want God to remove?
Let’s read the Word together.

This is 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (ESV) (00:21):
“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.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.

(00:43):
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.
” Let’s pause on that for a second.
Paul didn’t ask for this.
He didn’t enjoy it.
He pleaded with God to take it away.

(01:04):
And God said… no.
Not because Paul lacked faith.
Not because Paul wasn’t spiritual enough.
But because God had a bigger plan—a plan to keep Paul from becoming proud,
a plan to show Paul that strength doesn’t come from self—it comes from surrender.
God didn’t remove the thorn.
He redefined it.

(01:25):
It wasn’t punishment.
It was protection.
Paul was carrying powerful revelations.
He was walking in spiritual authority.
But God allowed weakness to remain—not to crush him, but to keep him close.

That thorn became a reminder (01:39):
“My grace is sufficient for you.
My power is made perfect in weakness.

” So let me ask you today (01:46):
What’s the thorn in your life?
What are you begging God to remove?
Is it physical pain?
Mental struggle?
A situation that won’t shift?
What if God is letting it stay—for now—because He wants to remind you that His grace really is enough?
Not just for good days.
But for hard days.

(02:06):
For lonely nights.
For unanswered prayers.
If you feel weak today, don’t be discouraged.
You’re exactly where the power of Christ rests.
He’s not waiting for you to be strong—He’s inviting you to trust Him in the weakness.
That’s where His grace shows off.
That’s where His strength shows up.

(02:27):
That’s where His love holds you up.
Let’s pray.
⸻ Father, thank You for the thorns I don’t understand.
Even when You don’t take them away, You give me grace.
Help me not to waste my weakness or run from my dependence.
If You choose not to remove the pain, help me see the purpose.
Let Your power rest on me.

(02:47):
Let Your grace carry me through.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
⸻ Thanks for listening, Fam.
You don’t need to have it all together.
You just need to stay surrendered.
His grace is enough.
His strength is still made perfect in your weakness.
And He still uses the thorn to draw you closer.