I've had several other thoughts through the day on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. First, I think one of the keys to understanding why Paul "boasts all the more gladly" in his illness/disability/weakness is in v. 7 when he says twice that the reason for the thorn in the flesh is to keep him from becoming conceited. The temptation to pride is due to the fact that God has given him such grand, unique revelations of his glory and purposes. The Creator and Ruler of the universe, the most important and the coolest being ever has chosen to make Paul a part of his "inner circle." This is better than the President of the USA making you one of his closest advisers. This is better than being considered a close friend of your favorite celebrity or athlete or politician. It would be an easy thing for Paul to flaunt his knowledge and insight and "pull rank" on people by simply asking: "So when did God himself speak to you?"
So God sends this ailment and all the other forms of hardship and human opposition that come to Paul to let him know that he is nobody special. God did not give him these revelations and show him this favor because of who he was or is. This is all by grace and the "weaknesses" all serve to remind Paul that he is not in the position he is in and he has not had the success which he has had because of him. He is not an apostle and a successful church planter because of who he is but because of God's gracious acts on his behalf.
Second, I am struck by that little phrase "so that" in v. 9. He boasts all the more gladly "so that" the power of Christ might rest upon him. Thus, if Paul grumbles and complains or is discouraged by all the various "weaknesses" in his life, then the power of Christ will not rest upon him. Glad boasting in sickness, etc. is what faith in Christ does. It is his response of faith that is the means by which the power of Christ will rest upon him. It is not optional for the Christian to not boast gladly in weaknesses. It is what those who believe in Christ do. We believe not only that what Jesus promises: forgiveness, eternal life, etc. is true but that what he promises is better than the whole world. If our great Savior says that a certain trouble is necessary for us to know and experience his power in our lives then we say "amen!" We can, as Paul did, ask for it to be taken away. But when he says no, we do not argue or complain but we gladly boast in the suffering so that his power might rest upon us. This is the fight of faith. The fight to believe the promises of God are superior to a trouble free life on planet earth.
Third, I notice in v. 10 that it is "for the sake of Christ" that Paul delights in disability, insults, hardships, persecutions, etc. This is a phrase that is regularly sprinkled throughout the whole NT. What does it mean to do something "for the sake of Christ"? It means that we are so delighted with Jesus and who he is for us that we want to enjoy him more and we want the whole universe to know how awesome he is. This is just like what motivates music fans to spend lots of money and travel long distances and interrupt their whole life and recruit their friends in order to attend their favorite band's concert. If you were to ask them why they are giving up so much time and money and energy, they would say it was "for the sake of their band." Their joy in their band and their joy in sharing the music of their band motivates their behavior. In the same way Paul delights in all his weaknesses because he knows that as the power of Christ rests on him he will both enjoy Christ more and show off the beauty of Christ to others in greater ways.
I'm going to ask the Lord again that he will take away the negative side effects from the next cycle of chemo-therapy next week. If he says no I will, for the sake of Christ, seek to boast all the more gladly in my sickness and delight in it so that the power of Christ may rest on me because it is most certainly true that when I am weak, then I am strong. Please join me in these prayers not only for me but also for yourself and those you love who are also suffering.
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