When a Thorn Exists

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. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (New King James Version)

We are not told the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Some have suggested it may have been a problem with his eyes. I, for one, like the fact that God chose not to have it revealed to us in Scripture. For if He had specified what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we would be quick to limit it to only that category. Nonetheless, we are given some aspects of Paul’s thorn. God allowed it, God used it, and God refused to remove it.

I have but one area in my life that I am coming to see as a thorn. Not a thorn in my flesh but rather a thorn in my life. It has been a source of frustration, aggravation, discomfort, and torment to me on countless occasions. It has brought an end to some relationships and turmoil to others. At times I have thought I knew how to keep it ineffective only to watch as it reared its ugly head once again. My thorn? My area of concern? Emotional dependency. In short, looking to people to give me what only God can give me. Looking to certain individuals to fill the ache, heal the wounds, and somehow take care of my emotional needs. I have lived enamored by them as well as obsessed with them. I have walked with shame and regret too many times to count and have feared this area of my life would never change.

I am now at a point whereby I want to begin seeing things differently. I want to see that, as in the case of Paul, this can be used to keep me from thinking too highly of myself as well as help me to minister to others without a sense of looking down on them. After all, how do you look down on someone who struggles in an area that you can still taste in your own life? Above that, I can accept the grace God offers each time the dependency over whelms me. I can also be thankful for an area in my life that keeps directing my attention toward the only Source capable of bringing me through each battle.

Am I giving up on the hope of complete deliverance? No. It could still happen or the day could come when my reliance upon God far out weighs my need for people. But until that happens, I am finding new strength to withstand the emotional onslaught that comes with this thorn of mine.

Father, I can hear You whisper the same words to me that You spoke to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” They comfort and strengthen me. In You, I sing a victor’s song. Amen.

His Strength Is Perfect - Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKo25QKPsY&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.