2 Cor 12:7-9 (NKJV)
βAnd lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, βMy grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.ββ
The thorn is not always a punishment; sometimes it is Godβs tool of preservation. Paulβs thorn reminded him that divine power is magnified in human frailty. While he desired relief, God offered grace instead. Grace does not always remove the thorn; it empowers us to thrive despite it. The thorn humbles us, keeps us dependent, and shifts our focus from our strength to His sufficiency.
Throughout Scripture, God used limitation to reveal His greatness. Moses stammered but became a deliverer (Exod 4:10-12). Gideon led a reduced army to victory (Judg 7:7). Jacob limped but became Israel (Gen 32:31). The thorn is not your end; it is your platform for grace. Where you feel weakest is often where Godβs power will shine brightest.
Paul concluded that the thorn was not a curse but a channel for Christβs strength. βTherefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon meβ (2 Cor 12:9). Do not despise your thorn; let it push you into deeper reliance on grace. In your weakness, His strength is revealed, and your testimony becomes a beacon of hope.
Further readings:
Gen 32:31
Exo 4:10-12
Jdg 7:7
π Blessed Day π