Suffering With the Thorn - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

    I’d like to apologize first for not having written in some time. I’m currently going through a health crisis. Since early April I have been suffering with Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease. The pain (in my left leg and lower back) has brought me to the point of exhaustion and tears on more than one occasion. While I continue to suffer from this age-related malady I also pray continually for relief. My faith remains in Christ Jesus and the power of the Cross.
    When Paul revealed his buffeting “messenger of Satan,” he was clearly referring to an issue of continuing trauma in his life. Whether it was a physical malady or perhaps a false teacher in the midst of his Corinthian congregation, the suffering with the thorn, while remaining constant and debilitating, kept Paul’s pride in check. Imagine how easy it would be for us who are believers to boast in ourselves being gifted with irresistible grace by our Lord and God! No, pride must be set aside along with the old man if we are to be effective at transmitting the message of the Cross. Christ’s work and the glory of God can only be focused upon when we push it to the front and we remain fragile imperfect humans relegated to the background.
    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13.  Despite my current suffering I will continue to pray earnestly that it is God’s will that is accomplished . . . not mine. In my weakness I can lean harder on Christ, knowing that as long as I lean on Him I will always be stronger with Him than without Him!