There is nothing more natural than asking God why a particular sore spot hurts. We are not stoics. We are not rocks. There are no real iron men among us. When a particular pain comes—and there are many forms—our human response is to say first, “God, please make it stop.” And second, “Why is this happening?”

There are a variety of pains that come our way in this game called-life: chronic illness, financial strain, a plaguing depression, hospital visits, routine anxieties, and the like.

What are we to do when one of these bruises get pressed yet again? Well, asking God why is natural. But hearing His answer is supernatural. You don’t need faith to ask why trials come. But you do need faith to hear God’s reply. His answer is that His power is made perfect in weakness.

Paul knew that he was in danger of being exalted above measure. This danger was not the result of Paul being a particularly prideful man. It was due to the many revelations he had received. God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh. And after Paul asked God three times that he might be rid of that thorn, God replied, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

If you don’t already find yourself in this condition, you will soon enough be infirm, in need, and distressed from without and from within. When these troubles come, you must know that they are not random or vain. All of your suffering is suffering for Christ’s sake. The thorn in your flesh is not causing less power to flow through you, but more. God’s power is made perfect in weakness.