I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:1-9

A. God’s Reasons for saying ‘No’

1. Display His all-sufficient grace to us: 2 Corinthians 12:9a

– Life is one of constant struggle: 2 Cor. 11:23-28, Phil. 1:29

– Life is one of constant trial: Acts 14:19-22

– Life is to be one of constant dependency on His sufficient grace. 1 Cor. 15:10, 2 Cor. 3:5

2. Display His all-sufficient power through us: 2 Cor. 12:9b

– His supporting power: 2 Cor. 1:8-10

– His enabling power: 2 Cor. 4:7-12

– His strengthening power: Isaiah 40:29, Luke 22:39-44

B. Our Responses When God Says ‘No’

1. Responses displeasing to the Lord

– Rebellion: Phil. 1:29, 1 Peter 2:21

– Complaining: Phil. 2:12-16

– Attempt to control – circumstances/people

– Attempt to change – environment: Prov. 16:9

2. Responses pleasing to the Lord

– Glad submission to God’s painful providence: 2 Cor. 12:9c, 1 Peter 1:3-9

– Willing contentment in God’s painful providence: 2 Cor. 12:10, Phil. 4:11, 1 Tim. 6:6-8, Heb. 13:5