2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - When God didn't heal Paul

At some point in his life, the apostle Paul encountered heaven in a very vivid way... so real that he wasn't sure if he actually visited heaven in person, or just had a vision of it. In the process, he heard things so stupendous that he couldn't put them into words--even if he was allowed to do so. (2 Corinthians 12:1-4, New Living Translation, 2015)

Subsequently, God gave Paul a "thorn in the flesh." He describes it as "a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud." (verse 7)

Scholars disagree as to the nature of this "thorn in the flesh," but many think it was a medical condition, perhaps with Paul's eyesight. (Galatians 6:11, etc.)

Paul pleaded with God on three different occasions for healing. It's easy to imagine him saying, "Okay God, I've learned my lesson, I don't need this pain in my life any more." God's response was always the same:

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (verse 9)

Paul came to the point where he was "glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (verses 9-10)

If someone is miraculously healed, that is seen as demonstration of the power of God.

Indeed, sometimes that is what happens. Other times, it's not only the doctors who say, "Nothing more can be done..." Sometimes, it's God Himself who denies the healing.

But in this particular case, Paul is clear that it is when such prayers are not answered as hoped for, it is when there is ongoing weaknesses.... that is when "the power of Christ can work through me."

Father in heaven,
Give us endurance to keep  praying when prayers seem to go unheard.
But when endurance wears thin and the answers are definitely "no,"
Give us acceptance and joy in letting Your power show up in our weakness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.