DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
NOVEMBER 3, 2026
READ: 2 Corinthians 12 (Focus vs. 6-9)
MEMORY VERSE
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8
BACKGROUND
When Monica’s son Augustine wanted to leave home for a city known for its immorality, she pleaded with God not to let him go. But he went anyway, which greatly grieved his mother, yet it was there that God transformed his life.
In his Confessions, Augustine later prayed, “Yet in your deep counsel you heard the central point of her longing . . . [so] that you would make me what she continually prayed for.”
Augustine not only became a believer in Jesus, but he also became one of the most influential Christian thinkers in history.
Sometimes God doesn’t give us what we ask for—giving us instead something of greater worth. Like Monica, the apostle Paul asked God for something he didn’t receive.
We don’t know what Paul’s “thorn” in his flesh was, but we know it tormented him, and “three times” he “pleaded with the Lord to take it” from him (2 Corinthians 12:7-8).
Yet God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9). In the end, Paul concluded that he would “boast all the more gladly” about his weaknesses so that he might know more of “Christ’s power” (v. 9).
Paul’s response shows us the way forward when we’re waiting for God’s answers, or when they aren’t what we expect. Jesus is our hope in all things, and in His strength we have more than we need.
James Banks
INSIGHT
God in His all-knowing wisdom doesn’t always give us what we ask for in prayer. Paul prayed for Him to remove the “thorn in [his] flesh,” whatever that may have been (2 Corinthians 12:7).
But he knew God loved him and would do what was for his best (vv. 8-10; see Romans 8:28). The apostle’s weakness kept him humble and focused on God and His strength rather than on his own (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). And God used him to spread the gospel to many people.
Paul had much he could boast about (11:16–12:5), but he chose instead to boast about the things that showed his weakness and God’s strength (12:6-9).
Jesus’ prayer reminds us to pray according to God’s will: “Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). As we pray today, we can be assured of God’s faithfulness and that He’ll provide what’s best for us.
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
When have you asked God for something and received something else? How did Christ help you in this?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post
“God in His all-knowing wisdom doesn’t always give us what we ask for in prayer…the way forward when we’re waiting for God’s answers, or when they aren’t what we expect (is to trust Jesus as) our hope in all things, and in His strength…” Alyson Kieda/James Banks
PR’s TAKE*
“Waiting with our whole heart benefits us by testing faith, building patience and making the eventual blessing sweeter.” Charles Spurgeon
“Surrendering to God’s timing allows Him to work mightily on our behalf.” Charles Stanley
PRAYER
“Ever-wise Savior, please help me to trust Your goodness in all things and to daily draw strength from You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“IN HIS TIME Maranatha Singers”
In his time, in his time
He makes all things beautiful
In His time
Lord please show me everyday
As You’re teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say
In Your time
In Your time, in Your time
You make all things beautiful
In Your time
Lord my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing
In Your time
Lord, please show me everyday
As You teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say
In Your time
In Your time…
In your time (in Your time lord)
You make all things beautiful
In Your time (in your time)
Lord my life to you I bring
In Your time…
In Your time
