2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul was blessed with revelations from Jesus that were so great that he would be tempted to be prideful, to think highly of himself because of what he knew. Paul was already a deeply religious man, a Jew who as a Pharisee, had committed to memory most, if not all of the Old Testament scriptures. This knowledge led many Pharisees to look down on those that were not as educated as them. Paul was no exception.

So God, because of His great love for Paul, allowed a devil to torment Paul physically. There has been much speculation about just what that “thorn in the flesh” might be. What we do know is that the Greek word (skolops) used for thorn in this passage is the only time it is used in the Bible. The literal translation for this Greek word is actually a sharp, pointed stake. Paul’s torment was more like being impaled by stake. It was probably a pain similar to being crucified.

Paul asked for the torment to be removed, but God knew that without it, Paul’s pride would take over. There wouldn’t be any room for Jesus to dwell within him. So Paul had to rely on God’s grace and that alone. And he was able to accept that and be content with God’s plan for him.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the thorn in my flesh. Without it, I would not have room for Jesus. Keep pride out of my life and help me to rely only on Your grace. Keep me weak, so that I can be strong for Jesus. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,