12:7-10 The Experience of Disability Clearly this passage indicates that Paul understood the experience of disability. Three times he “begged the Lord to take it away” (12:8). God said no, and instead called Paul to rely on his grace. God’s grace didn’t prevent the social consequences of his “thorn” (12:7) from affecting Paul’s life. As if weaknesses were not enough, Paul also faced insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles—all suffered for Christ. What he learned, and what we must also understand, is “when I am weak, then I am strong” (12:10).