I just went through a period of intense, agonizing crisis lasting several days. The cumulative stress was horrific. Friday night, while sleeping, I experienced the Spirit’s intervention, similar to Paul’s, after his three requests for deliverance from his thorn in the flesh. The most encouraging part was being able to see how the anguish didn’t change how I felt about God. Ironically, I discovered more about my weaknesses through my defeats. I would not want to go through it again, but I am very grateful to God for allowing it to happen.
The top two explanations I’m aware of about Paul’s thorn were first the Jewish agonistics who constantly stirred up trouble for him. The second explanation was he had poor eyesight, due to having been stoned and left for dead on one occasion. (Gal. 6:11) Both were serious frustrations for him. Pause and consider how Paul probably felt about his “thorn in the flesh” before the Spirit revealed the reason for it.
Regardless of what the thorn was, we know experientially thorns add serious stress to our lives. Paul asked God to deliver him three times, but nothing happened. (2 Corinthians 12:2-10) Before God revealed the purpose for his thorn, do you suppose he might have thought, “God, I pray for others to be delivered but I cannot receive it for myself. What is wrong with this picture?”
Here is the thought-provoking part. In the end, Paul realized the thorn’s origin was from God or with God’s consent. It was given to him to keep him humble. What does this suggest about the importance of humility to God? This also provides a clue about Paul’s persistent personal struggles. His profound revelation of heaven had involuntarily triggered his pride, which God hates. He was helping Paul overcome his pride. Could it be, the primary antagonist in our life is our “thorn in the flesh”, allowed by God to bless us, not hurt us?
Why do parents discipline their children? …to hurt them? Of course not! Yet it involves pain. I will never forget mom’s words before she spanked me; “it hurts me more than it hurts you.” Could it be God feels like that when He allows our “thorn in the flesh”?
Despite our naivety, each of us has a critical weakness. It could be insecurity, pride, materialism, bitterness, or such. Thorns could come in the form of an illness, a wayward child or wife as Hosea had, or a painful loss as Connie’s death in my case. Whatever it may be, it would be designed by a loving God to prepare us for what He knows is ahead of us.
Does our pain matter to God? Absolutely! However, His priority is molding us to reflect Him and fulfill His purpose for us, not ensuring our comfort or happiness. Can we see our struggles as a divine gift to transform us into God’s likeness? For Paul, he came to say, “I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT2)
In that context, I am now able to be very grateful to God for taking the bride of my youth to be with Him. “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 (NLT2)
That makes so much sense. What else can drive us closer to God??
Nancy’s condition has made so much difference in my walk with God! It would probably never would have happened, if she not had this issue! It has forced me to trust so much more in Jesus! I know He has us both in His Hands!