Overview and Objectives
Lesson Overview
The apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away an identified source of suffering. But the Lord declined, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” “Therefore,” said Paul, “most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities… in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). Paul learned that he would rather be with Christ in suffering than without Christ in good health and pleasant circumstances.
Lesson ObjectivesWhen you complete this lesson, you should be able to do the following:
- Explain why God’s comfort is greater than our suffering.
- Share reasons why it is better to be with Christ in suffering than without Christ in good health and pleasant circumstances.
- Identify how experiences of pain teach us more than times of ease.
As you proceed through this lesson have the following question in mind.
Have you ever had to struggle with a "thorn in the flesh"? What was able to comfort you in that difficulty?