Emphasis Preaching Journal

"I know a man" -- Paul means himself. He won't boast, but he could if he wanted to. He has had so much "going for him" in his ministry. He has had such a rich experience in his faith. But he also has a "thorn in the flesh"; something that in his life diminishes the claims he might otherwise make on his own behalf. In the midst of abundant gifts and implied power and success, there is pain, loss, weakness. In the experience of weakness, he finds that God is with him, and that God will use him, weakness notwithstanding.