"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV
Paul knew what it was like to be frustrated because what scripture describes as a thorn in the flesh. No one really understands what this thorn was but, many have speculated. Whatever it was, it was beginning to drag Paul down, in fact, he was becoming frustrated by it all. The Lord told him 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' And Paul accepted this for what had been making him weak, he was now able to be strong.
Notice that Paul didn't moan about this thorn, not at all. He decided to look at the situation from another direction and instead of being negative about his situation, he decided that without God he is weak, with Him, he is strong and that was all that mattered to him. There were some things that he couldn't do because of the thorn, but, there were many more things he could do by changing his attitude to it.
Many Christians are afflicted with some type of disability. This may have been the results of a serious illness. It may also have been caused by an accident of some sort or a medical condition that was caused by surgery or medication. When a person can't do what they used to do because of this condition, frustration can take up residence, quickly followed by depression and anger. The frustrating thing is, no matter what they say or do, it cannot be changed, unless Jesus intervenes and alleviates this problem. Sometimes He does but at other times He doesn't. We don't know the answer to this but it is not because He doesn't 't care, He does but there is a deeper purpose that He has in mind.
How better qualified is a person who has their own kind of thorn and who can help a person in a similar situation? You may be one of these people who has carried a thorn for sometime and you may be struggling with the affect of it all. Consider that God just might, want you to help others in this situation. You won't know until you ask Him. And you won't be in any condition to help anyone if you don't accept what has happened, so think on that one.
There are a few things that you can't do anymore, but there are a host of things that you can do. As long as you have breath, you are a candidate for God's work. So let Him know that you are available.
Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
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