Paul reveals weakness, “thorn in the flesh” and “messenger of Satan,” as insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. He delights in them for when he pleaded for the “thorn in his flesh” to be taken away, the Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God was saying, “No. I will not take the thorn away. Instead, I will give you my love, favor, and strength to endure the thorn.”
God’s divine power, in upholding and supporting his people, is never so glorious as when we are under weaknesses. Peter wrote, “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19-21)
Job received a thorn in the flesh at the hands of Satan at the behest of the Lord God. Job did not curse God. Job praised God. He did not like to suffer. He did not welcome it. He questioned why and desired his case be heard. Paul did not rebuke God. Yet he pleaded three times for his thorn to be removed.
A child of God should not be surprised when a thorn of the flesh comes. The Lord may take away. The Lord may not. Either way, we pray and know that through our weakness God’s power is made perfect.
