7 But I must not become too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. So a painful problem was given to me. This problem is a messenger from Satan. It is sent to beat me and keep me from being too proud.
8 I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me.
9 But the Lord said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me.
10 So I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles. All these things are for Christ. And I am happy, because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.
11 I have been talking like a fool. But you made me do it. You are the ones who should say good things about me. I am worth nothing, but those “great apostles” are not worth any more than I am!
12 When I was with you, I did what proves that I am an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles. And I did these things with much patience.
13 So you received everything that the other churches have received. Only one thing was different: I was not a burden to you. Forgive me for this!