THE THORN IN THE FLESH

What is your thorn in the flesh? Is it a frailty? Is it a physical problem or an emotional problem? Could it be a personal weakness? OR it may be a fault:a defect, or imperfection-one that feels embarrassing and humbling. It could even be a friend. Sometimes a dear friend can be a real thorn in the flesh. Perhaps he is difficult, you may feel a rival spirit around this person. Or it may be an enemy- who keeps you on your toes(also on your knees in prayers).

Could your thorn in the flesh be that you have known failure? It may have been financial failure, a failed marriage, or a job loss. Or, when facing temptation, you failed, and the whole scenario haunts you daily.Perhaps someone has lied about you. You cannot defend yourself. People believe the lie. You long with all your being to be vindicated. But God withholds vindication. This could be your thorn in the flesh.

Don't despise your thorn, whatever it is. Don't resent it. It exists by God's sovereign pleasure. It is for your good. It is the best thing that ever happened to you next to your conversion and anointing. The thorn in the flesh is God inflicting the pain to keep us in continuous reminder lest we lapse. It keeps us from competing with His glory. It ensures that we will not take any personal credit, and it gives Him all the glory. It keeps us from thinking that we have arrived, that we are good enough, that we are worthy. It brings humility. By R T Kendall