“…there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
The Apostle Paul wrote about a thorn in the flesh that caused him pain. Three times he asked, even begged the Lord to remove it, but God knew that it was better for the thorn to remain. In allowing the thorn to continue to trouble Paul, the Lord revealed His grace would provide all Paul needed to endure the ongoing suffering.
There was much more at work behind this prolonged thorny trial. Paul was given a vision of Heaven that God forbid the apostle to share. Like all of us, Paul could have become puffed up with pride because the Lord had chosen him to see the inexplicable beauty of the heavenly realm. Paul could have used it to elevate himself above the other followers of Christ, demanding special privileges and honors. But God gave him a thorn in the flesh to remind Paul not to think more highly of himself than he should.
Instead, the thorn was a constant reminder that Paul’s weakness was God’s way of supplying His strength and power for all Paul needed. Paul embraced the thorn as an opportunity to reveal that his strength didn’t come from anything he could produce but was from God alone. In fact, it was a gracious thorn that provided divine power for Paul to confirm God’s loving-kindness and mercy to all who place their faith in Christ Jesus.
A Touch of Grace:
What thorn or thorns do you have?
How do you respond to the thorn(s)?
Grace Application:
Thorns are hard, prickly, sharp-pointed parts of plants that cause pain if one pricks our flesh. It’s even more painful to have one embedded in our flesh and can become infected if not removed. However, there are many types of thorns not associated with plants that cause as much pain: illness, difficult relationships, financial hardship, and emotional struggles, to name a few. Any ongoing trial can be a thorn in our flesh, causing pain on many levels. And if we’re not careful to address them, the infection of bitterness can set in.
The thorns that prick us may cause us to despair and doubt God’s goodness. Like Paul, we may cry out and beg God to remove the object that is causing so much pain, and God’s answer may be “no.” The “no” isn’t punishment; it’s meant to draw us closer to the Lord, to seek His strength, to receive His mercy and grace. Paul’s struggle with the thorn and God’s answer reminds us to not rely on our own strength or power but to permit God to give us exactly what we need to endure the hardship.
In recent days I’ve been reminded that my strength isn’t sufficient to care for my parents, especially as I recover from a painful episode with diverticulitis. There is a lot of physical strength needed in caring for Mom, who spends most of her time in a hospital bed and wheelchair. We have someone who comes to help each day, but there’s still a lot to do.
I also need spiritual, mental, and emotional strength each day. Caring for a loved one who needs help with tasks considered simple isn’t easy. But the Lord reminded me it’s a way to reflect His love and care. Are there times I fail? YES! Too often, I find my selfish heart rearing its ugly head and have to continually remind myself that this is the assignment the Lord has given me. I desperately want to be a faithful servant for Him and know without His grace; it’s an impossible task. Reminding myself that God’s love is steadfast and His mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) helps me know that God has a purpose and plan for these difficult days. They won’t last forever, but eternity will. Leaning into the challenging moments, seeking God’s strength in my weakness helps me remember there is grace among the thorns.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, Thank you for the grace You continually supply. You don’t randomly bring thorns in my life, but have a purpose and plan for each one. Forgive me when I allow bitterness and doubt to infect my heart. Lord remind me that when I acknowledge my weakness and desperate need of You, You will give me the strength needed to endure every painful circumstance. May You be glorified in each assignment You give me, as I lean into the truth that, “when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).”
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**