Do you have a thorn in your flesh…?
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I invite you to meditate with me on these words that the apostle Paul wrote:
“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. 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. Therefore 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.” (see the Bible, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Paul shares a problem with us here that was like a thorn in the flesh for him. For centuries, theologians have disputed and have been unable to agree about what this thorn represented:
- Was Paul sick and had a problem with his eyes as some of his writings might lead us to believe…?
- Was he experiencing temptation…?
- Was he overwhelmed by opposition of some kind…?
- Was it loneliness weighing heavy upon him…?
- Was it difficulties with the churches…?
- Was the devil the primary source of this trial…?
- Or was it all of these…all at the same time?
In fact, it doesn’t really matter… you surely understand what Paul was feeling. A thorn is something that seems so small but, in reality, comes to occupy and consume all of our thoughts.
Our thorns… these are the financial difficulties that seem to persist, or the sickness that’s strangling us, the increasing number of fights with our spouse, the forgiveness we can’t bring ourselves to release, this loneliness we can’t seem to rid ourselves of…And like a thorn under our feet, though well-hidden, it still hurts us all the same… and sometimes very badly.
In any case, Paul had to have been especially tormented… he prayed three times, pleading, that God would deliver him from this thorn.
Are you suffering from a thorn in your flesh? Know that even if it seems insignificant, even if no one else can see it, Jesus understands the suffering caused by this thorn, whatever it may be.
Yes, He who was crowned with thorns… He understands. And, as He spoke to Paul, He speaks to you: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
I love Jesus , and I want to live for him,but I feel that I really don’t know how,and I pray everyday and I know that praying alone want get you to heaven and I want to live for Jesus and when I die I want to go to heaven does anybody have any advice for me thanks
Reading scripture and having it speak to you building a relationship with God and Jesus. Through that you’ll see actions in your life God moving in your life continue reading scripture he is speaking to you that is how your relationship is going to form once you do that you’ll have no worries about where you’re going to go or having a ticket to heaven or what steps are needed to get you to heaven you’ll just see how God moves in your life and you’ll see this really beautiful relationship form from it. Reading the scriptures you’ll see how much it moves you and that’s him moving through you for you and I’m not a perfect person or have all the answers but that is what is working for me and I have ups and downs but i bring them to God to direct me. I hope that helps… God bless!
Thanks Eric for this message. I need to remove thorns.
Wow this is the second time this scripture has come to me. I think there is a message here just for me. To look to Christ
I bear the Thorns Paul spoke of, the persistant desire to let resentment come between my wife and I. Please help me remove this thorn from my heart Lord. In the name of your Son Jeasus Christ, Amen.
Eric thank you for your message.
Now that I am reading the Bible
reading scriptures the Lord somehow talks to me and helps me to keep going. Praying give me His peace in giving it to Him ,It’s some thing I don’t want to dwell on(my thorns). Praying over me gives me His Peace asking my LORD to give me His Strength to keep going, for without Him I am nothing..THANK YOU JESUS????
I thank you for this God – inspired web page you have provided. I want to testify that I have thorns that are poking me in my side. And one, in particular with my daughter in law. God has given me confirmation about. And now I am no longer anxious over it. I am covered by His Grace. I know now that when I speak to her about it, the Holy Spirit will be the One speaking for me to her through me. And this thorn is no longer causing me heartache and pain. The still stinger in the thorn is removed. Thank you Jesus and Praise You God. And may the Holy Spirit keep blessing you Eric.
It’s exciting that you want to live for Jesus! You are right to say that just saying a prayer alone won’t get us into heaven.
Scripture teaches that we need to come to the cross with “Godly sorrow”, for our sins. Then give our life, all of it to Christ, ask Him to come into our heart.
True conversion involves 2 things. Faith in Christ, and repentance.
Repentance means going down a different road. Giving up our sinful habits and living for Christ.
How do we live for Him?
When we experience true conversion, the Holy Spirit comes and lives inside us. Along with that, He gives us special gifts that we are to use to serve God. You can go to 1 Cor 12: 8-10, Eph 4: 7-13, Romans 12:3-8
Ask God to make it clear which gifts you have and He will.
In closing please read 2 Peter 1:3
Then go forward and life your life boldly with the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have many mental health issues and problems personal and financial help needed for house payment. Worries and pain burdens praying for all of myself too have Peace of mind and heart soul .I asking Jesus Christ Our Lord Saviour in prayer for help with the family and friends and all thorns in my flesh in Jesus name amen.
Nice good
Thank you Lord for speaki
ng to me through this email each day????
Thank you Lord for speaki
ng to me through this email each day????