A Thorn In The Flesh

As I study even further on this subject of healing, the Holy Spirit continues to lead me to many places in the word. On this particular night He has lead me to 2 Corinthians 12: 3-10.
3And I knew such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth)-4How he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.5Of such an one will I glory; yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth. But now I forbear, lest any man should thnk of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.7And 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.8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness". Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was some kind of bodily weakness or disease; possibly it may have been an eye affliction. Undoubtedly the reason that its particular nature is not disclosed is so that Paul's cosolations (comfort), may be a benefit to all to whom any type of "thorn" is given. For God's people, weakness,infirmity, and even disease may be divinely permitted to cause us to be humble, to caution us against presumption in prayer, and exhibit the all-sufficiency of God's grace.

Paul was well aware of getting to the point of thinking to highly of himself, or even of others thinking to highly of him, because of what he had seen and heard. He thanked God for protecting him of that situation. In this case, it was a "thorn". Because of it, God was able to move Paul to knowing that His grace was all he needed. God will complete that which He started. He will mold us and make us into what He wants us to be. He takes full responsibility of that task and is perfectly sufficient to complete it. Thank you Lord for loving us in that kind of capacity. Thank you for providing us what we are incapable of supplying for ourself. Teach us Father to know that your grace is sufficient in all things.

In God's love,
Stan