Paul's thorn in the flesh. I have heard many ideas about what this is. Some feel that it was a physical disorder that he experienced; possibly something to do with his eyes. There are hints in other books that he may have had something wrong with his eyes which was uncomfortable and hard to look at. Others feel that Paul is talking about a temptation that he fell into and struggled against. I will say, the text is not clear on this point, so I will not step out and say one way or another.
What is clear is that the thorn was used as a tool by God to keep Paul dependent upon Him.
Paul speaks of supassing greatness and revelation. It is very possible that the man caught up to the third heaven is Paul himself, and he is saying so in his boasting without coming right out and saying it. He is still dealing with the super-apostles and he still is defending himself. Because of our nature when we play the comparison game we tend to become a little too big for our britches. Paul had some things that were worth bragging about in his life, but God wanted him (and us) to focus on what HE has done for us.
Remember in Romans 8 where it says that for those who love God all things work together for good? This thorn in the flesh is the same idea. We constantly want to be strong, self-sufficient, powerful, and glorious. That's God's place. The painful experiences of life remind us that we are mortal, our lives are fleeting, and we are prone to failure. But in God's great love for us He takes that weakness and does something good with it - something eternal, and in that same love provides eternal life through forgiveness in Jesus' blood for us.
Someday we will be at peace with who we are. Someday: when Jesus returns. Until then we walk by faith, trusting God's promises. One of those promises is, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." We would do well to ponder that promise, and how much God must love us to make it!
God, bless us with Your peace today. Help us to see ourselves as you see us: forgiven, loved, and useful for your service. Do something good through us today. Amen.
What is clear is that the thorn was used as a tool by God to keep Paul dependent upon Him.
Paul speaks of supassing greatness and revelation. It is very possible that the man caught up to the third heaven is Paul himself, and he is saying so in his boasting without coming right out and saying it. He is still dealing with the super-apostles and he still is defending himself. Because of our nature when we play the comparison game we tend to become a little too big for our britches. Paul had some things that were worth bragging about in his life, but God wanted him (and us) to focus on what HE has done for us.
Remember in Romans 8 where it says that for those who love God all things work together for good? This thorn in the flesh is the same idea. We constantly want to be strong, self-sufficient, powerful, and glorious. That's God's place. The painful experiences of life remind us that we are mortal, our lives are fleeting, and we are prone to failure. But in God's great love for us He takes that weakness and does something good with it - something eternal, and in that same love provides eternal life through forgiveness in Jesus' blood for us.
Someday we will be at peace with who we are. Someday: when Jesus returns. Until then we walk by faith, trusting God's promises. One of those promises is, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." We would do well to ponder that promise, and how much God must love us to make it!
God, bless us with Your peace today. Help us to see ourselves as you see us: forgiven, loved, and useful for your service. Do something good through us today. Amen.
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