Thorns in the Flesh

You have thorns. I have thorns. We all have thorns.

In 2 Corinthians 12: 6-10, the Apostle Paul tells of a thorn was in his flesh. Many theologians of our day have made the assumption that the thorn in the flesh which Paul testified of, was likely some physical ailment. Possibly stuttering speech, or bad eye sight. Many others make the proposition that we can't really know from the scriptures what the thorn in the flesh was. It really doesn't matter what the thorn was though. Paul spoke more about his heavenly visions in this passage anyway. However, we do know that the thorn in the flesh was in effect, Satan's messenger. (vs. 7)

Another interesting point is that the thorn was divinely purposed by God as similar in Job. (Job 2:1-10, 2 Corinthians 12)

And lastly, God did not remove the thorn from Job as he requested not once, but three times (there was a purpose God did not remove this). 

So, what is the point of this passage...

For me, here it is:  We have various things, sufferings, pains, afflictions in our lives. Some are thorns, some are things we allow. I wonder if God has given every Christian some sort of "thorn in there flesh"? I'm not sure what things in my life are "thorns" in which God has given me. But I challenge you with something I challenge myself with. This thorn, may be the thing you think has kept you from a ministry is the key to your ministry. This one thing you have wanted most to be rid of, God wants you to have. Why? So that he gets the glory.

The one thing that I've realized most about our walk with Christ is this. God always works in humble men and exalts Himself in them. God is not in the business of glorifying men, but in bringing glory to Himself as He works through those who are weak and foolish (people like me). If we would be in harmony with God and His way of working on the earth, then we must acknowledge our weakness, our ignorance, our foolishness, and cling to Him for power, wisdom, and grace. Paul realizes that boasting is not the answer to walking with Jesus. We all have things we are good at, we excel in, we are confident in. It may be in those areas that we know we are not good, that God will continue to let sit, so that he gets the glory. 

It reminds me of an old hymn that Derek Webb rewrote:

No More My God, I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done
I quit the hopes I held before,

To trust the merits of Thy Son

No more my God

No more my God

No more my God

I boast no more

Now, for the loss I bear his name,
What was my gain I count my loss
My former pride I call my shame
And nail my glory to His cross

Yes, and I must, I will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus' sake
O may my soul be found in Him
And of His righteousness partake
Amen, amen

The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before Thy throne
But faith can answer Thy demands

By pleading what my Lord has done my God