Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 4-6
     New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 12

Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me (2 Corinthians 12:7b-9).

The Lord knows how to balance our lives. If we have only blessings, we may become proud; so He permits us to have burdens as well. To keep Paul from succumbing to pride, God gave him a constant reminder of his inadequacy.

Paul doesn’t tell us what the thorn in the flesh represented in his life. Many scholars believe it was failing eyesight brought on by the blinding light on the road to Damascus and the scale-like covering that blinded him (Acts 9:1-19). This belief is supported by Paul’s comments in his letter to the Galatians. For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. … Look at what large letters I use as I write to you in my own handwriting (Gal 4:15, 6:11).

We don’t have a copy of the original manuscript, but perhaps if we did, we’d see large scrawling letters written by Paul himself. It is as if he is nearly blind and can’t see well enough to write normal size letters.

Whatever this thorn was, the sting of it was so severe that Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away. But each time, the request was denied. The Lord, however, did not leave him without comfort. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness” (v9).

What mattered is not what the thorn was, but what it did. It made Paul into a humble servant and forced him to rely on Christ’s strength. It brought him contentment, even with things that normally irritate and discourage a person.

An unknown Confederate soldier wrote the following poem:

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all thing that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed.