"The THORN in the FLESH!"

What was the "thorn" in the flesh that Paul was referring to in (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)? Bible scholars, church leaders and Believers have debated the form in which the demonic angel delivered this infirmity to the Apostle. He admitted that the Lord God allowed it to come upon him to prevent him from becoming conceited by the incredible revelation and authority he had been receiving from the Holy Spirit.

Even though he pleaded with God to take away his thorn three different times, the Lord God did not heed his request and simply replied, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." God basically said, "The fact that you are being roasted, stewed and barbecued means nothing to Me! Keep it moving brother and DON'T give the devil any credit for what you are going through; this is MY WILL and it is pleasing in My sight!"

Instead of complaining, Paul assumed the posture of boasting in his infirmities so that the power of Christ would REST upon him! Wow, just think about that for a minute; how many of us BOAST in the "trouble" that comes upon us? How many of us cut tail and run at the first sign of adversity? Do you piss and moan in the wake of hardships? What does your thorn represent?

The revelation I received about Paul's thorn was that it was inextricably connected to his persecution. Perhaps as a result of some sort of personal guilt from all the damage he had done in his attempt to dismantle the early church. Maybe it was the persecution he received from his "enemies" as result of his escapades as a "card-carrying Pharisee." It could have been connected to some undisclosed carnal temptation or psychological depression associated with the constant threat of danger he endured or the many afflictions that had befallen him in his quest to spread the Gospel (2 Cor. 11:23-28). His thorn certainly could have been some physical ailment, Malta fever, convulsions or chronic ophthalmia (inflammation of the eyes). For all he had endured to advance the Kingdom of God, it is reasonable to conclude that "physically" Paul was a "hot mess!" He may have been simply asking God to heal his body from the many assaults he survived from both friend and foe.

For the Believer, having a thorn in your flesh does not necessarily equate to sinful living.Your thorn has no bearing whatsoever on God's expectation for you to complete the assignment He has given you in the earth realm. He may even use a "demonic angel" to deliver the thorn to your door step! God is not going to "compete" for your affection or attention. The next level in God is "isolation." A Creator will always make a created thing to depend on Him.

In the final analysis, it is critical for the Believer to embrace his/her testing, trials and tribulations. We have received the revelation of Christ whose thorns pierced His flesh. In His case, the thorns represented "sin." He allowed sin to be placed upon His head so that we might obtain access to eternal life through His perfect atoning sacrifice. What the Roman soldiers fashioned for mockery and degradation was, in fact, the Messiah's "crown of glory."

This is the PROMISE of God for ALL of Believers; that you were fitted for your "crown of thorns" from the foundation of the world! Selah...