God Allows Thorns
The Blessing of Burdens
2 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Opinions about Paul’s thorn in the flesh run the gamut. Physically, I suppose it was his eyesight. Whether it was caused when Christ struck him blind on the Damascus Road, I’m not sure. Since it was God who removed the scales from his eyes, it seems questionable that God would restore his eyes imperfectly. On the other hand, Jacob wrestled with the angel of the Lord and, while he prevailed, he was physically disabled for the rest of his life. Our bodies, in their corrupted state, often remind us that this world is not our home. I fear for those who know no other.
Paul certainly faced the thorn in the flesh of an embroiled ministry. What a contrast! There is no question that God called, empowered, and used Apostle Paul. But in his lifetime, he was hated by the Jews, doubted by many Christians, and then imprisoned and executed by the Romans.
Over the years, I’ve prayed multiple times that God would remove the obstacles from a successful ministry, for people to respect me, for my messages to be well received, for souls to be saved. God has blessed…
