Sunday, July 7, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

What Is Your Thorn?

2 Corinthians 12:7 So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh...

I have a friend who suffers from excruciating migraine headaches. These headaches often occur without warning and remains with her for several hours to a couple of days. She has consistently prayed and sought medical assistance.

I do not understand why she has not received the healing that she has so faithfully sought as of yet, but I DO know two things. God IS working on her behalf, AND she is not alone in her suffering. Today's verse provides a heartfelt revelation from the Apostle Paul who is said to have influenced Christianity second only to Jesus Christ. This man, who is credited with writing at least 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament, admits to having "a thorn in his flesh."

Now, I would think that Paul's "thorn" could have caused him to become discouraged.....could have even led him to wonder how God could do this to him. Instead, the opposite occurred - Paul's condition caused him to fully rely on God.

In response to Paul's continued requests to remove his affliction, God states in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." Paul understood that his strength came from God. In fact, Paul went on to say in the following verse "For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Interestingly, Paul never revealed what his "thorn in his flesh" was in any of his writings. It has been written that his lack of admission allows us to put ourselves in Paul's situation. By doing so, we are able to learn from the same spiritual lessons that were available to Paul.

My challenge to you today is to allow "your thorn" (whatever it may be) to actually provide an opportunity for you to get closer to God. By acknowledging your weakness to Him and relying on Him for help, your prayer life will strengthen, your faith will increase, and your character will develop in a more Godly manner.

Dear Lord, I come to You with the belief that You are a healing God. However, if my prayers for my healing do not occur in my timing, I will trust in Your divine wisdom. I will turn to You for strength to endure my affliction knowing that in my weakness I will acquire strength from You.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.