A number of years ago, in a Sunday morning class, someone said, "You know, I've struggled with physical pain for most of my adult life. And far too often, well-meaning Christians have said: if you would just pray about it, if you just had a little more faith, God will take away the pain. But I can tell you — I've prayed. And I've prayed.”

In certain circles of Christianity, there is a belief that if healing doesn't occur in answer to prayer, it is because the person lacks faith. I've actually known people who were told they could have saved a loved one — if only they had had a little more faith, if they had just prayed harder, believed more.

That is bad theology.

It runs counter to Paul's own experience. No doubt Paul had great faith. Yet he writes to the Corinthians that a thorn was given to him in the flesh. Three times he appealed to the Lord that it would be removed. And the Lord said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

The thorn was not removed. Paul did not receive the answer he wanted. Instead, he received this: "My grace is sufficient for you.”

If you are carrying something today that has not been lifted despite your prayers, I want you to hear this: your faith is not deficient. You are in good company with the apostle Paul and countless others who have walked this road before you. While the thorn was not removed, Paul was not abandoned. And neither are you.

Prayer: Loving God, we have seen your power at work within weakness. We remember the cross — and what you accomplished through one broken man. You have carried us through the wilderness time and time again. We pray today for healing, for wholeness, for well-being. And we ask for grace upon grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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