“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
My Grandma had a nice cactus garden. She would spend hours collecting, digging, planting, arranging her little garden. When we visited, she would show them to us but always told us not to touch – not because we would disturb the garden, but because along with a cactus garden, comes a fair number of thorns – painful, invasive thorns - from the tiniest hair sized thorn to the biggest fishhook sized thorn. Even with her gloves, these invasive thorns were a source of discomfort, annoyance and pain – but she kept going.
Speaking of thorns ... In the passage we have here, Paul is talking about a “thorn in his flesh”. Did Paul have a cactus garden? Many have speculated as to what Paul was referring to. The Bible does not reveal what the actual issue was. It could have been anything ... a temptation, a physical ailment, an emotional ailment, a speech impediment, headaches, chronic illness, or maybe even a person. No matter the issue, it was a real cause of pain in Paul’s life, enough for Paul to ask God to remove it.
God did not remove Paul’s “thorn” - but instead told him that His grace is enough, and that His power is made perfect in Paul’s weakness.
Is there a “thorn” in your flesh that is hindering your worship of God? Let God’s grace be sufficient for you. Use the “thorns” in your life – the sufferings, the pain the weakness – as opportunities for God’s grace to take over and let God’s power be displayed in your life.
I encourage you to encourage me to learn this passage let this passage show that we can find freedom in our “thorns”, knowing that in these weaknesses, we can be truly strong in the Lord!
✌🏼❤️ - peace and love …
Billy
*NOTE: If you have any questions or comments regarding the Worship Ministry, or want to know more about what we do, please talk to me! You can call me or email me at any time. Also, make sure you check out our list of upcoming events. There is always something going on. And these are all opportunities for Worship and Fellowship!
