S – Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. ⁸ Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”

 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 CSB

O – Commentary:  

We do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was; we only know that its purpose was to keep him from becoming proud, to prick the bubble of pride. • It was a messenger from Satan—that is, something or someone evil—so Paul prayed to the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered each petition the same way: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him by God’s grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ’s strength showed itself through his weakness.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – We all have our kryptonite.  We need to embrace it as part of the journey and recognize its reminder that we cannot do this alone.  Easy to say – hard to do.  By inviting Christ into it, he gives us grace (forgiveness and compassion) and direction (how to work through it.)

R – Lord, I surrender all of my weaknesses and challenges to you.  I invite you into them to show me your presence and power.  I ask for your grace to minister to me and your direction to show me my next steps.  I will glorify you in the good and the difficult.