Paul has been suffering some form of persistent trouble or hardship which he describes as a ‘thorn in the flesh’. It has not been sent by God. Paul clearly sees its source as being from the enemy camp – a messenger of Satan, some form of principality or power opposed to God’s work and His Kingdom (see Eph 6:12). It could be spiritual oppression or temptation; it could be persecution or specific hindrance to his proclamation of the Gospel; it could be some form of mental or physical ailment. We don’t know. What we do know, however, is that it was persistent and caused Paul much pain – torment, even.
Three times he pleads for it to be taken away. It ought to remind us of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, ‘overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death’, pleading 3 times for the cup of suffering to be taken away, yet obedience to the Father winning the day. As far as we can see, Paul’s prayer is not directly answered. His suffering, pain and trouble remains, it’s not taken away as a quick fix. Instead, he receives a word from God which changes everything. He stops praying for the thorn to be taken away, rather he is given a new perspective and strength.
‘My grace is sufficient for you’. Nothing more, nothing less. It is enough. How did Paul ‘hear’ the word – did he ‘see’ it; was it impressed upon him in some way; did he hear an audible word; did he see an angel deliver it? We don’t know. But, we do know that it changes his outlook. As he reflects on the word, he realises that his ‘weakness’ is an opportunity for Christ’s power to shine through him.
He also sees that it points away from Paul to Christ. Paul is such a man of God, an obedient apostle, who clearly saw and heard from God in extraordinary ways – visions, revelations, gifting – that, in his own words, it would be possible for him to become conceited. So, he pointed to, even glorified in, his weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, because in them he could point to Gods strength and the power that flows from abiding in Him.
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Application:
Can you identify a ‘thorn’ in your life today? Maybe a struggle against temptation, or a hindrance to His kingdom plans in your life, or a physical, emotional, mental struggle. It really is OK to pray for it to be removed. But, is there a word that Father God wants to speak into your life today? Be quiet for a minute or two and ask Him to speak. Trust what you sense.
Prayer:
‘Lord Jesus, may Paul’s experience be mine: Your grace is sufficient for me. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. May your power be made perfect in my weakness’. Amen.