The Thorn In Your FleshSample

Why is the “thorn in the flesh” not removed? 

Paul unsuccessfully implored the Lord to remove this “thorn in the flesh” three times. Instead of removing the thorn, God explained the lesson that the thorn was in place to teach: 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8).” 

What sort of power is best demonstrated or “perfected” through weakness? Paul went on to identify this power as the power of Christ—a power that was not demonstrated in pride and boasting but in humble, self-giving service to others, leading ultimately to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-11). 

It is only in the utter weakness and death on the cross that the power of the resurrection is released into our world. Paul’s affliction was training him to choose the humble, self-giving “weakness” of Christ over the rival temptation to pride, boasting, and power: 

“Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

As a result, Paul’s weak, afflicted life was becoming a vehicle that exalted God rather than himself. 

I want to remind you of the Old Testament patriarch Jacob who spent his later years afflicted by a limp that he had received at the hand of an angel of the Lord in a midnight wrestling match (Genesis 32). Jacob would have viewed this as a “grace limp” because the dislocation of his hip constantly reminded him that he had met God and for once had refused to let God go, receiving a blessing for himself and his descendants. 

Are you willing to face God and learn the lessons He has for you in the midst of your affliction? Have your places of affliction and seasons of weakness become reminders of God’s grace and strength? Have you learned, like Paul, to be content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecution, and with difficulties for Christ’s sake? For when we are weak, then we are made truly strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). 

Are you allowing your life to be a vehicle that exalts God rather than yourself, like Paul?  

It can be hard to find peace in seasons of affliction. To help, we would like to give you a complimentary ebook about peace, from Dr. Tony Evans. Simply click here.