Thorn in Your Flesh?
by Jeff Kimes - Executive Pastor
In 2 Corinthians chapter 12 the apostle Paul mentions a thorn in his flesh:
In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12: 7-9
There has been much speculation over the years about what this thorn is that Paul is referring to. Some have said it was a physical condition he was having to deal with. It could have been something spiritual that he was wrestling with or someone that was antagonizing him. Whatever it was, Paul does not dwell on the thorn but turns his attention to the One with grace and power.
Paul recognized this thorn was given to him to keep him humble and not to forget the One who offers grace and the One that will be made great even in his weakness.
There are times in our lives when the struggle is real. In those times we need to remember not to focus on the thing we are struggling with, but to focus on the Savior who will lift us up and carry us through the struggle. Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient to save us and his power is made perfect in our weakness.
In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12: 7-9
There has been much speculation over the years about what this thorn is that Paul is referring to. Some have said it was a physical condition he was having to deal with. It could have been something spiritual that he was wrestling with or someone that was antagonizing him. Whatever it was, Paul does not dwell on the thorn but turns his attention to the One with grace and power.
Paul recognized this thorn was given to him to keep him humble and not to forget the One who offers grace and the One that will be made great even in his weakness.
There are times in our lives when the struggle is real. In those times we need to remember not to focus on the thing we are struggling with, but to focus on the Savior who will lift us up and carry us through the struggle. Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient to save us and his power is made perfect in our weakness.
Recent
Archive
2025
Categories
no categories
2 Comments
I needed to see this at this very moment. I have more than one thorn that jabs me
n Not all at one time so it gets hard to deal with
n . Thank you for this message.
Interesting topic, Jeff. Some think Paul's thorn was poor eyesight because of two other Scriptures. In one, Paul said: "Look with what large letters I have written to you (some translations), suggesting that he had to write largely in order to see the letters. In another place, Paul told one church that if it were possible, they would have plucked out their eyes and given them to him. With appreciation and best wishes: Edl