Paul’s journey into the “third heaven” offers a glimpse into divine glory few have ever seen—yet it is not the vision that defines him, but the humility that follows. Though he was caught up into paradise and heard words too sacred to repeat, Paul refuses to boast in revelation or experience. Instead, he points us toward the deeper truth: the mark of genuine faith is not found in what we see or feel, but in the quiet endurance of grace. The same God who allowed Paul to taste heaven also allowed him to feel the sting of a “thorn in the flesh,” a reminder that human weakness can become the vessel for divine strength.

When Paul pleaded for relief, God’s response revealed the heart of His power: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” That promise transforms pain into purpose, teaching us that surrender is stronger than striving. The thorn that humbles us is often the thread that ties us closest to Christ. In every limitation, His strength rises to meet our need, shaping us into reflections of His endurance and love. The same grace that sustained Paul now sustains all who lean wholly on the Lord in their suffering.

Grace doesn’t always remove the thorn—it redeems it. What once seemed a burden becomes the very place where Christ’s power rests upon us. So when weakness threatens to undo you, remember Paul’s revelation: divine strength is born in surrendered hearts. What if the very pain you wish away is the doorway to a deeper experience of God’s sufficiency?