Ever heard the expressions “pain in the rear” or “thorn in my side?” What do they really mean? We all have different things that pain us mentally, emotionally, & spiritually. Sometimes these pains or thorns can hurt and get us down to the point where we can’t move. A spiritual thorn can sometimes distance us from God if not handled properly. However, if handled correctly, it can strengthen our relationship with Him. Let’s look at how Paul handed his thorn.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV
7 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. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 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. 10 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.
I’ve had several people ask me what I thought his “pain or thorn” was. Honestly, I don’t have a clue. It was most likely a physical pain in his side, but no one really knows, and more so it doesn’t matter. All that really matters is how Paul chose to handle his pain. He mentions in verse 8 that he asked God to remove it from him, but that God gracefully denied his request. God’s reply meant that no, He wouldn’t take the pain away, but that He’d give Paul the strength to overcome it.
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