Do you have a health problem, or something like that, that you try to ignore but every once in a while you just get extremely frustrated about? I do, and yesterday I was venting to one of my friends about it-- asking what in the world I was supposed to do about it, complaining that nothing I ever tried had worked, and wondering why God wasn't doing anything since I'd been praying about it for several years.
That's when she spoke up and said, "Well maybe it's just your thorn in the flesh."

DING DING DING!!!

That hit me like a ton of bricks. Maybe it was indeed. Her comment sent me racing to 2 Corinthians to re-read Paul's words about his thorn in the flesh.

"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."

Paul, a spiritual giant and great example of the faith, had to be reminded that God's grace was sufficient. Not only that, but he chooses to rejoice that weakness, that thorn he had to deal with.
But what exactly does it mean to "boast...of my weaknesses"? Obviously we don't use the word "boast" the same way today as Paul did. So what did he mean? Literally, the word "boast" in that passage speaks of finding joy in, or rejoicing. Like James says, we are to rejoice in tribulation--or weakness.

I had written a cross-reference next to that passage, and went to look it up. It was from Luke 22, where Christ was praying in the Garden that His Father would complete not what he (Christ) wanted, but what He (God the Father) wanted. And then it says:

"And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him."

Wow. Do you realize that God sends "ministering spirits" to His children, to strengthen them and help them through hard times? That's a great correlatory to His grace being sufficient. And as I thought more about it, I realized something else.

God's grace (or strength) can only be manifested if we have weaknesses. If we had no weakness, we would have no need of His grace. If we did not know His grace... we would be leaving out a big part of the Christian life. Do you realize what a huge part of our lives is held together by His grace?

Think about it. Next time you're feeling discouraged, or frustrated about something, read through those verses. Rejoice in your weakness, because it gives you opportunity to know His grace. And be content with them for Christ's sake, because it really is all about Him.

Sometimes as fallible human beings we become overly fixated on any form of suffering – from catching the flu, experiencing pain from a headache, to feelings of frustration when we simply don’t get our way. We hate suffering and avoid it like the plague! We are quick to find ways to alleviate our pain – whether that be taking aspirin for a headache, going shopping to buy something to make us feel better about ourselves, to drinking to escape and/or numb ourselves from any emotional and/or physical pain.

What you mentioned is true – Through God we derive strength. Therefore in times of discouragement and weakness we need to keep our minds clear to hear His message for us, for such challenges are presented to help us develop the strength and skills we need to grow spiritually and to persevere. Aren’t we so fortunate to have such a kind and loving Father!
:)