Apostle Paul's thorn

I've just finished reading 1 & 2 Corinthians. How exciting to read about Paul, what a man of God!

I found something very interesting that I'm enjoying pondering over.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLT even though I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calmities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It never does say what this thorn was. I found in Galatians 4:13-14 NLT where Paul writes Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News of Christ. But even though my sickness was revolting to you, you did not reject me and turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were angel from God or even Christ Jesus himself.

In my study Bible I read that some have suggested it was malaria, epilepsy, or a desease of the eyes. Whatever this thorn actually was doesn't matter.

What interests me so much is that Paul had great faith and with Christ's power he healed many people. Yet he himself had a terrible thorn in his side. It says in the Word he begged the Lord three times to remove it and the Lord heard him yet He did not remove this thorn from Paul. In fact the Lord said "My gracious favor is all you need."

I find this small passage to be so powerful and it speaks right into my heart. I find it amazing that although Paul had this thorn, he doesn't go on and on about it, he doesn't even say what it is! I also find it amazing that the Lord doesn't remove this thorn, He uses it to make Paul stronger!!!!!!

My heartfelt prayer; Oh Lord thank you for your word. Thank you for guiding me and speaking to me. Lord whatever thorn I have in my life, I pray that you will use it to make me stronger! I pray for your perfect will in my life and I pray for the grace to accept your will and always choose and follow you. Regardless of how painful or uncomfortable it might make me in this world. Lord I especially pray for a right spirit, renew in me everyday a right spirit and create a clean heart. Lord help me to turn to you every second for help and strength. Help to have a right spirit in dealing with my husband because a soft answers turns away wrath. Help me Lord to always obey and listen to you and help me to deny my flesh. When I am angry and want to lash out, help me to hold my tongue and listen to your voice. I know that you will never lead me wrong. You are in control in my home, not me not my husband. It's you!! Help me to rest in that knowledge, amen.