2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. 9. said-literally, "He hath said," implying that His answer is enough [Alford]. is sufficient-The trial must endure, but the grace shall also endure and never fail thee [Alford], my strength-Greek, "power." is made perfect-has its most perfect manifestation. in weakness-Do not ask for sensible strength, FOR My power is perfected in man's "strengthlessness" (so the Greek). The "for" implies, thy "strengthlessness" (the same Greek as is translated "weakness"; and in 2Co 12:10, "infirmities") is the very element in which My "power" (which moves coincident with "My grace") exhibits itself more perfectly. So that Paul instead of desiring the infirmity to "depart," "rather" henceforth "glories in infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest (Greek, 'tabernacle upon,' cover my infirmity all over as with a tabernacle; compare Greek, Joh 1:12) upon" him. The Lord has more need of our weakness than of our strength: our strength is often His rival; our weakness, His servant, drawing on His resources, and showing forth His glory. Man's extremity is God's opportunity; man's security is Satan's opportunity. God's way is not to take His children out of trial, but to give them strength to bear up against it (Ps 88:7; Joh 17:15).