Much has been written about St. Paul’s thorn in the flesh, mentioned in II Corinthians 12:7-10. Scholars debate what it might have been. Was it a chronic illness? His eyesight? The Bible says the thorn was a messenger from Satan. The reason it was given? To keep Paul from being exalted above measure. Did God remove that thorn? That’s what Paul would have liked but the Lord said, No. My grace is sufficient. In other words, God would give Paul strength to deal with this thorn.
Well, what if that thorn in the flesh was a person, somebody who followed Paul around, disrupting gatherings, interrupting his sermons, maybe criticizing the way he spoke or his lifestyle? Perhaps this thorn moved among Paul’s listeners whispering innuendos or falsehoods. I don’t know. Bible scholars know far more about this than I.
Do you have a thorn in the flesh? 
Do I? I hadn’t thought of hindrances or annoyances or roadblocks as thorns until recently and I’m beginning to see they are probably that. They are annoying! They do hurt! They are in my way to keep me from enjoying an activity.
A thorn can be a physical limitation that hinders you from doing what you long to do. It can be a debilitating grief, guilt that is like a weight on your heart, the echo of a voice telling you that you will fail. Or, it can be a little busybody person who follows you around, showing up like a bad penny, offering unsolicited advice designed to undermine your confidence. A real pain!
This morning, I’m beginning to look at these thorns as challenges instead of hindrances. If you and I can persevere in our God-given hopes and dreams in spite of them, they can actually be spurs. Spurs hurt too as any horse can tell you but the result is a burst of speed.
So, I’m thinking of thorns as an indication from God that I can handle them. And, if He has confidence in me, who am I to question? I may not be able to get rid of the thorn but I can overcome it and use it as an occasion to soar higher than I would have without it. That is my victory.
Amen! Excellent insight and examples, Blanche! May you continue in victory in Christ…He’ll keep you soaring!
Thanks, Fran. I really appreciate your encouragement.
Hi Blanche! No, I haven’t forgotten you. It seems with the long drive home and the time change, I have mostly been running in circles since getting back. I think now we are finally back into some sort of routine so hopefully, I can get a few things accomplished. Enjoyed your blog today. I have often thought about Paul too and how he healed so many others but the ‘thorn in his flesh’ remained. His Father knew what was best for him even though not pleasant at the time.
Thanks for writing, Sharon. I’m glad you are safely back home but is the snow all gone there? I’m sure there was quite a temperature change from Texas. Yes, the hope of Christians: Christ is with us to help us with the thorns.
Don’t know if you’ll still be checking your blog. I left right away and have been offline most of the day. The snow is almost all gone but they are saying there is more to come. Yes, I FROZE today!
Next year, you need to stay in the sunny South ’til June! My Minnesota brother says they are still getting snow too.
I needed to read this today! Thanks!
Teresa, I’m so glad the piece was helpful. We all have thorns and we need God’s strength to deal with them.
I’m sipping coffee, Blanche, at 8 p.m. but morning or evening your blog is so inspirational. I know of a dear, old friend in England who will appreciate your insight, I shall pass it on. She often references St. Paul and I know it will help lighten her burden….Thank you….
Thank you for writing, Josephine. I’m so happy you enjoyed my blog and hope your friend will too. Blessings on you both.
Excellent
Thanks so much, Helen.