Bemoan or Boast

Scripture affirms it’s okay to seek God about pressing matters repeatedly. He will give you the desires of your heart as long as what you want is in line with what He wants (Ps 37:5–6). King David knew that his and Bathsheba’s child would die, yet earnestly prayed seven days for God to spare the child’s life, but the child died (2 Sam 12:9–20). Although destined to die for humanity’s sins, Jesus fervently asked God three times, if there was any other way, to let “the cup” He faced pass from Him, each time with His heart yielded to His Father’s will. But there was no other way (Matt 26:39–45).

An unnamed affliction so burdened Paul that he petitioned the Lord on three occasions to remove it from him. But the Savior answered His faithful servant, saying: “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9a). Paul did not receive relief or release of his burden but assurance of grace—the favor of Christ; he would not bear it alone. Like David and Jesus, God would show Himself mighty as he submitted to His will. Paul’s response to the Lord’s answer? “Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (v. 9b). He counted his affliction a privilege to boast about if it meant enjoying the favor and strength, the presence, of his Redeemer resting upon and within him.

We, too, can glory in our trials and afflictions when God doesn’t answer our prayers like we hoped He would. His purposes hold more excellent value for our and others’ well-being, results that we may never see. But His presence rests upon us and in us—we are never alone.