Thorn as a gift

A gentle breeze in a garden spreads a sweet fragrance. The gardener explained: Every time the breeze blows, the thorn (prickle) penetrates the flower's petal, giving the smell. The thorn brings the best out of the flowers. Paul writes about a thorn in his flesh. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Thorn: Thorn and thistles came upon the world because of the Human Fall. (Genesis 3:18) Thorns could choke a plant and make it unfruitful. (Matthew 13:7) Thorn was in a goad that directed tamed animals. Wicked humanity placed a crown of thorns on Lord Jesus' head. (Matthew 27:29)

Thorn in the flesh: Thorn in the flesh could be some ailment that frustrated, annoyed, or irritated Paul. It made Paul weak if not powerless. In the imperfect world, sickness, diseases, and pain are common. Believers also could go through such affliction. Great Apostles like Paul were not exempt from it.

Gift? However, Paul eventually saw that the thorn was given, i.e., a gift. Paul refused to see it as an affliction or attack of Satan, giving unnecessary credit to Satan. Instead, he accepted that as a gift from a good God. Nevertheless, Satan was cunning enough to use this thorn to buffet him.

Humility: Paul writes about the great vision he had earlier, which most humans do not have the opportunity or privilege to experience. In that context, he writes about the ‘gift’ from God to keep him humble. That spiritual experience of being taken into heaven could make him proud, and God allowed a thorn in his flesh to remind him that he is human and to be humble.

Pain:

First, the thorn created physical pain.

Second, it causes emotional pain, stress, and anxiety.

Third, it was mental pain, thorn being used to buffet Paul.

Fourth, it caused spiritual pain, as Paul’s prayer was unanswered.

The grace of God: The antidote for the thorn in the flesh is the grace of God, which is inexhaustible, presently available, sufficient, and will manifest the power of God in his human weakness.

Do I consider adversity as a gift for my spiritual growth?