God is not wasting the pain in your life. He never wastes a wound. As you go through the dark, deep valleys in your life, remember that the great Apostle Paul was even pounded by the evil one. All hell seemed to be against him. In his moment of darkness, he begs God to get rid of this thorn in his flesh, this messenger of Satan that was harassing him. (2 Corinthians 12:8)

What messenger of Satan has come your way? Does it feel like there is a thorn deep in your flesh, and you can find no relief? Have you pleaded with God to just take it away? Paul did. He cried out to God not just once, but three times. And still God chose not to remove his thorn.

In all of this Paul learned something special. God simply spoke to him and said, "I have provided grace for you. Sufficient grace. Grace to remind you and reassure you that through this weakness, I will show My Power."

Paul got the message. He declared that he would be, not just "ok" with this, but that he would be most glad about it. He went on to say that he would not only be content with the "thorn" but also with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. He understood that you can't control your life. God will be at work. He will use the "thorn"—the messenger of Satan—to remind you that He is all you need. He is in control. Look around you. Can you see it? Grace… more and more grace…