Posted: 14 October 2025

From a sermon given on 12 October 2025:

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 torment me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And 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.
(2 Cor 12:7-9, NKJV)

The thorn is not always a punishment; sometimes it is God's tool of preservation. Paul's thorn reminded him that divine power is magnified in human frailty. While he desired relief, God offered grace instead. Grace does not always remove the thorn; it empowers us to thrive despite it. The thorn humbles us, keeps us dependent, and shifts our focus from our strength to His sufficiency.

Throughout Scripture, God used limitation to reveal His greatness. Moses stammered but became a deliverer (Exodus 4:10-12). Gideon led a reduced army to victory (Judges 7:7). Jacob limped but became Israel (Genesis 32:31). The thorn is not your end; it is your platform for grace. Where you feel weakest is often where God's power will shine brightest.

Paul concluded that the thorn was not a curse but a channel for Christ's strength. "....Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). Do not despise your thorn; let it push you into deeper reliance on grace. In your weakness, His strength is revealed, and your testimony becomes a beacon of hope.

Further Readings:

And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
(Genesis 32:31)

And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
(Exodus 4:10-12)

And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.
(Judges 7:7)