September | 2026 | the grizzle grist mill

Rereading this Scripture today, I was struck differently by Paul’s words than I have read them before…

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He says here that God gave him a thorn in the flesh in order to keep him humble. It caused me to question my own heart and ask, How often do I pray that God would take away a hardship, a trial, or even a personality flaw that I find to be such a weakness?

Immediately following the scripture, Paul says that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and that His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Paul then says, that because of this, he will glory in his own weaknesses. He says that, although he has much to boast about, he will not boast in those things, but rather boast about his weaknesses, so that Christ’s power will be revealed and His glory would be known.

How often do we take pride in our own abilities, our skills, our talents, and our strengths that make us “look good” to those around us? How often do we boast about the success we have achieved, the good deeds we have done, or the great strength we believe we have?

We never want our weaknesses exposed for the world to see. No. We’d rather they see the picture-perfect life we choose to present.

Yet. Paul said he’d glory in his weakness so that Jesus’ strength might be revealed through it…

This isn’t the first time I’ve read this. Not was it the first time I’ve thought more about it or even taught it to someone else through discipleship.

But it might be the first time it’s truly awakening something within me…

I believe I will be thankful for that thorn in my flesh. Even when it makes me bleed, and I pray to God He’d take it from me.

For His glory, I’ll praise Him in spite of it.

What is your thorn in the flesh?

You walk out the door just as quickly as you can, but everyone longs to say hello.

They want to give an update, express a need, ask a question because after all, you’re suppose to obtain them and always seem to care.

Yet all you want to do is get out of sight, out of mind, out of earshot, to let the tears fall.

That one sentence. That one image.

Brought back all the pain, all the turmoil, all the brokenness that you work so hard to hide.

Most days, you don’t even think about it anymore.

It’s been so long now. The memory has faded for so many. It’s almost as if it didn’t happen.

If they all forget, is it now just a made up event in your mind? Not many know the whole truth anyway.

Would it make a difference? No. Not really.

It’s not their story to know. Some of it’s not even yours to repeat.

So, you walk a little slower to appear engaged. You smile and answer the request as needed and cast a caring look their way.

It’s not their fault you were triggered. They had no idea. The knife was invisible. And they don’t deserve for you to wield it.

But it still pierced. It still made you bleed.

So, you turn and resist the urge to run. You resist the compulsion to loose it right there in the parking lot.

You hold it all in and let the tears flow freely once darkness of night has shadowed you from view.

And that’s when He walks in. That’s when He does His best work.

He lifts you from the ashes and dries your rosy cheeks. He holds you close and reminds you Whose you are.

And then, He shines your armor and picks up your sword.

And offers you to join Him for the battle once more…

…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:3-4