Thorn in the Flesh

A really good friend of mine wrote this 🙂

“God’s Word shares a story regarding the Apostle Paul, when he is speaking of a “thorn in the flesh”: “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it may depart from me”. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Paul does not define what the “thorn in the flesh” is but gives us a clue concerning the thorn’s purpose – to keep him from becoming conceited. So, God’s goal in allowing this was to keep Paul humble. Paul goes further with God’s response to his wanting this to leave him and his thoughts after, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

No one likes to live in pain. Paul sought the Lord three times to remove this source of pain from him. He probably had many good reasons in his mind why: he could have a more effective ministry; he could reach more people with gospel; he could glorify God even more! But the Lord was more concerned with building Paul’s character and preventing pride. Instead of removing the problem, whatever it was, God gave Paul more overwhelming His Grace and more compensating His Strength. Paul learned that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness”. The exact nature of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is uncertain. Truly, there is a good reason that we don’t know. God likely wanted Paul’s difficulty to be described in general enough terms to apply to any hardship we may face now. Whether the “thorn” we struggle with today is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we know and may rest upon that God has a purpose and that His Grace IS ALL-Sufficient! 

My thoughts and prayers are that, whatever your “thorn in the flesh” you or loved ones are experiencing, that you truly trust God’s Grace in being ALL that you or they need to have His Joy and Peace. Surely, it IS not easy and IS tough to deal with on your own, but you don’t have to. Your Heavenly Father welcomes you to surrender your “thorn” to Him. He may remove it or not, either way He IS wanting and needing you to become closer to and in Him and He in you, now and forever. In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace“