So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me…..For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
God’s words of encouragement came on Paul at that time when he could not understand why “a thorn was given him in the flesh” meaning he was suffering, even though he had been doing good, was fervent in doing God’s work and had been living righteously.
Nobody knew what was the “thorn” that Paul was referring to. He only mentioned that he could not take it out even though he pleaded to God by praying three times. So, what actually is the thorn? Some suggested it was physical illness, some said it was persecution and some guessed it was his conscience feeling guilty the way he treated Christians in the past.
God finally answered his prayer but not in a manner which he would like, which was to remove the thorn from him. God gave this answer, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God is speaking to us today, telling us that He knows our every weakness.
For those who profess that they love God very much but when they become very successful and are so comfortable with their life until they forget about God, God will probably plant a thorn in us, reminding us that what we have comes from Him. God says, “Do not puff up with pride when we become successful with people heaping praises on us.” Be conscientious that what we have is because of God’s grace, not because of our own merit. Indeed, His grace and mercy are sufficient for each and everyone of us.