The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Thorn in the Flesh

Paul recognized his inclination to become conceited because of his own apostolic authority and impressive spiritual credentials. To keep Paul humble and maximize the glory given to God through Paul’s ministry, God gave Paul a “thorn in [his] flesh” (v. 7).

Paul referred to this thorn as “a messenger of Satan” (v. 7), and therefore it may have been that God allowed the devil to attack Paul in some limited way in order to serve the Lord’s own good purposes (Job 2:1). Beyond this, however, Scripture is not clear as to the precise nature of Paul’s struggle. Some have speculated that it was an issue related to his eyesight based on his comments in Galatians 4:13 – 15. In any event, it is clear that the issue was chronic and debilitating and was a hindrance to his work and ministry.

Regardless of the nature of Paul’s thorn, two things are clear. First, God’s grace was sufficient to sustain Paul through his struggle. And second, because of the disability in Paul’s life, God received even more glory through Paul’s ministry. It is for this reason that Paul was able to rejoice in his own suffering and delight in his own weakness.

The same principles apply to believers today. While God uses the strengths and skills of his people, even more glory can be attributed to God when his people rely on him, serve him and make themselves available despite their weaknesses and struggles.

Taken from The NIV Jesus Bible.