Thorn in the Flesh

Not every prayer for relief is answered with removal. Paul's "thorn in the flesh" shows how God may permit a lasting irritation so that His sufficiency, not our strength, takes centre stage.

What Was Paul's Thorn?

Paul described it as a "messenger of Satan" sent to torment him, permitted by God at the very time he was receiving an abundance of spiritual revelations (2 Cor 12:7-10). Its exact nature is never disclosed — it was probably a physical condition — and that silence is instructive: whatever form the 'thorn' takes, the lesson is the same. Three times Paul begged God to take it away, and each time the answer came, "No, my grace is sufficient for you; my power is displayed best through human frailty or weakness."

How do I respond to the pain or irritation that God, in His wisdom and love, does not remove from my life?

The Lord was more concerned with building Paul's character and guarding him from pride than with his comfort, so He gave more overwhelming grace and more compensating strength instead of removal. Situations like this demand greater dependency on the Lord, because we are so easily discouraged. Job endured terrible circumstances yet was able to glorify God — and the same choice lies before us.

Discerning What God Is Doing

It is of utmost importance to discern and clarify the mind of God (His will): is what is causing continual annoyance something we need to come against in Jesus' name, breaking its influence and overcoming it — or is it something that, although we would not naturally choose it, God can utilise for our good and His glory? Joseph acknowledged that what his brothers intended for harm, God turned around for good (Gen 50:20). It is essential to keep this divine perspective on the issues in our lives.

Is this irritation something to overcome in prayer, or something God can use for my good and His glory?

If we are released from the trial, we rejoice in Christ; if it remains an ongoing challenge, we maintain a right attitude as His children, assured that He has our best interests at heart. Whether the 'thorn' we struggle with is physical, emotional or spiritual, we can be sure God has a purpose for it and that His grace is all-sufficient as we allow it to develop His character in us.

Suffering is seldom easy to tolerate — every instinct cries out for relief — yet it is often the very classroom in which God teaches what comfort never could. Through it we learn the frailty of self-reliance, the depth of His comfort, and perseverance that matures our character and hope (Rom 5:3-5; 2 Cor 1:8-9; Jas 1:2-4). The thorn we would gladly discard may be the instrument He uses most.

Grace for the Cross We Carry

Jesus said, "If anyone wants to be my disciple they are to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Mt 16:24; Lk 14:27). Although a cross is not something we would naturally choose, it is that which will bring about death to the self-life so we can live more as Christ would have us do. At salvation we gave our lives to Him; it is therefore His right to decide the path we travel, and the various experiences of life are all designed to bring us into conformity to Christ (Rom 8:28-29).

I choose to love you God regardless – Habakkuk 3:17-18

Reflection and Application

Name your 'thorn' honestly before God, as Paul did, and let His answer deepen your trust in His grace.
Ask for a divine perspective: is this something to overcome in prayer, or something God is using for good?
Thank God daily for the compensating strength He gives while the weakness remains.
Surrender the path of your life afresh to Christ, who has the right to lead you into conformity with Himself.