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?