Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Like Paul, we all have "a thorn in the flesh." We all have weaknesses, infirmities, and difficulties. While it can be a struggle to face our own shortcomings, I find comfort in reading from prophets, like Paul, who express their own disappointments.
It's comforting to know we aren't in this alone. We know that others are combating their own thorns in life. However, if we do ever find ourselves feeling alone and it seems as though life has dealt us a more challenging hand than others, there is even greater comfort in knowing that there is one who has overcome all in Jesus Christ.
This week's lesson allows me to share one of my all-time favorite talks as Paul reminds the Corinthians that Christ's grace is sufficient for each of us to overcome our weaknesses. In Brad Wilcox's talk with the same title he says, "When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives. When we understand grace, we understand that the blessings of Christ’s Atonement are continuous and His strength is perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).
When we understand grace, we can, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, “continue in patience until [we] are perfected” (D&C 67:13)." Last week I asked if our trials really could be blessings. I think Paul answers that question this week. Even if the only blessing is turning us to Christ so we can more fully appreciate the atonement, yes our trials and weaknesses are blessings. God lives and loves us. Christ's atonement is real. We can bring all our weaknesses to Him and His grace will be sufficient to make weak things strong.
-Bishop Sullivan
