Monday morning I was driving to work listening to the Christian radio station, and they were discussing 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. It’s the familiar passage where Paul speaks of his thorn in the flesh, and how God used the thorn to keep Paul looking to Him for strength. Though Paul’s thorn made him weak, God’s power made Him strong.

That night I received a call from my little sister, Bethany, or “Peep” as I call her. She called to remind Charles and me to pray for her as she had a huge test the next day that would pretty much determine whether she could continue on in nursing school. She called with sincere concern in her voice for fear that she may not succeed. She had already taken the test on Friday, but being that you could only miss two in order to pass, she, along with most of the class, was given a second and final chance. She spent much time in study but was still plagued with concern for possibility of failing the test once again. As Bethany expressed her concern on the phone, I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. I am thankful that the Lord gave me that passage that morning as it not only encouraged me and Bethany (i hope), but it also I gave me so much more faith as I prayed for God’s power in her during the test.

Ultimately, it wasn’t up to her “scholastic ability.” In Bethany’s eyes, one of her greatest weaknesses are her test-taking skills. Every Friday she has “validations” where she has to perform specific skills that she had learned that week, and every Friday she passes with flying colors. Yet, taking a written test isn’t as easy for her (so she says, but I think she’s brilliant!); thus, she was worried that she would fail this important written test, and ruin her chances of ever being a nurse. As the phone call came to an end, I told her that instead of worrying, to rest by trusting in His power. I got off the phone almost to tears out of concern for her. Charles and I turned off the TV and prayed aloud for Bethany, begging for His power to be displayed in her, come test time the next day.

Tuesday came, and boy did God show his power in her “weakness!” Bethany called with joy in her voice to say that she made a 100 on the test! I was so proud of her diligence in her studies, and doing all that she could do to make sure that she knew the material…the rest was up to God, and more than anything at that moment, I was so grateful for God’s goodness to her during that test. It was encouraging no doubt to Bethany, but certainly to me to be reminded of His power and goodness to all His children. I certainly have no good thing to offer on my own; rather, any good in me and any blessing I have received is simply a result of a gracious and powerful God working through my weaknesses.

There’s no doubt that nursing school will never be easy for Bethany (as for anyone). But more than just the fact that it’s a complex program, I hope she always sees it as one way the Lord is using to push her closer to Him, just as Paul’s thorn did for him. It is my sincere prayer that one day when my little sister has graduated nursing school, passed her boards, and is walking into those hospitals doors on her first day as a registered nurse, I hope she always remembers the Mighty Hand that used her ”weakness” and “made her strong.” To GOD alone be ALL the glory!

“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. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”-2 Cor. 12:7-10