Strength and Weakness [repost]

Have you ever wondered why a positive experience is often followed by great difficulty? Hear what Paul has said: "So to keep me from being too elated by 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 being too elated. 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 strength 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."
So don't just put up with difficulties, as long as you know they aren't from undealt with sin; don't just sigh, celebrate. Boast in God's strength and be content with your own weaknesses.