Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12 that he was given a “thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me.” He continues that he prayed to be relieved of this torment, and was told, In 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he [Christ] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
We don’t know if Paul was ever relieved of this torment in his lifetime, but we can learn from his report of his experience.

We too may have been afflicted with a torment. It may be physical ailment, financial struggle, relationship issue, or the psychological torment caused by the struggle affecting someone we love. Like Paul, we may pray for delivery from the torment, but have not been relieved.

We should take the message that God gave to Paul, and accept that if God is letting us experience the torment, he will provide “sufficient grace” to endure. Will the torment last long? We don’t know, but God’s grace is enough for the duration.

I take comfort, however, that the torment will not go on indefinitely through Peter’s words of 1 Peter 5:9,10, “Stand firm against him (Satan), and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”

Dear Lord, Thank you that we know that your grace and power are more than enough to support us in our tests and torments, and that you will relieve us from our suffering in your time. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.