Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 12:9

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee : for my strength is made perfect in weakness . Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me .

Paul prayed, and God answered; not in specie (doing the very thing for him which he asked) but in valore, giving him what was every whit as valuable. His answer was, My grace (my love and favour, not that which the Apostle had already received, but which God was resolved further to shew him; strengthening and supporting him under his tryals, as also comforting and refreshing him;) shall be enough for thee to uphold thee under the present tryal which is so burdensome to thee.

For my divine power, in upholding and supporting my people, is never so glorious, as when they are under weaknesses in themselves. When they are sensible of the greatest impotency in themselves, then I delight most to exert and put forth my power in them and for them, my power then is most evident and conspicuous, and will be best acknowledged by my people.

Therefore (saith the Apostle) I will chuse to glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Those dispensations of Providence, in which the Souls of men have the greatest experiences of the power and strength of Christ, are most to be gloryed in; but such are states of infirmities. This Text confirmeth Christ to be God blessed for ever; for by his power it is that we are supported under tryals, his strength it is which is made perfect in the weakness of poor Creatures.