2Corintians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul sought God’s will first.
Earnestly, pleadingly, prevailing and wrestling in prayer.
God said, “This thing is from me,”
Paul accepted his weakness.
Trusting in God’s ordering of his steps.
Job 31:4 Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Paul received a useful, spiritual gift — grace.
By accepting the weakness, Paul could fully trust in God’s strength for help in time of need.
2Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! Amplified Bible