A THORN IN THE FLESH

God knows how to balance your life. 

If spiritual 'mountain tops' were all you experienced on your journey of faith, pride would undoubtedly rise to the surface. Therefore, the Lord permits burdens ... i.e. 'thorns in the flesh' to keep you humble and destroy the tendency to exalt self. 

Paul suffered an unspecified infirmity. It was ultimately used to establish his dependence upon (and devotion to) Jesus Christ.

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 might depart from me. 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 7-10

No one likes to live in pain and Paul was no exception. He sought the Lord three times to remove the source of his suffering, but God chose to build his servant's character and prevent pride from derailing the mission. Instead of removing the thorn, He poured into the apostle more of His grace and strength. 

There is probably a good reason that we don’t know the exact nature of Paul’s 'thorn in the flesh'. It is possible that his suffering was described in general terms so that we can apply it to any of the difficulties we might face. Whether your personal thorn is physical, emotional, or spiritual ... know that God has a divine purpose and that His grace is sufficient. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Far from being a curse that inhibits spiritual growth, pain may be the Lord's pathway to it. A 'thorn' will actually lead you to a more intimate relationship with God and His Word ... becoming the means by which the Father beautifully shapes you into the likeness of His Son. 

When an infirmity is divinely allowed to grace your life, it can give you the courage, compassion, contentment, and peace you've longed for as a follower of Christ. 

Without a thorn, God could not accomplish all that He desires to do in and through you.