Thorn or Grace?

Before Saul became Paul, he was a pretty big deal. He was born a Jew, giving him particular status as well as having Roman citizenship, something that was highly coveted. He studied under a very famous rabbi of the time. He was a high ranking Pharisee. You can imagine that after being Big Deal Saul- the Christian Slayer and Arrester, becoming Paul- the Christian Grace Preacher was no easy feat. Taking a deeper look at any of his writings, one can see that he was in a catch 22 a lot of the time. He had to use his clout but not abuse it. He had to prove he was worthy to preach this grace message to Jew and gentile and also prove that he was no better than the next man, a sinner saved by grace just the same. God had a way to accomplish this character in him. God always equips us for what He has called us to do and be.

“or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NIV

God gave Paul a “thorn in his flesh” to remind him that he needed that grace he was preaching just as much as those to which he was preaching.

This has always seemed extreme to me. Why torture the poor man as he is doing what you asked?! The truth is, God always speaks to and deals with the preacher before he can use that person to bring that same message to others. Gods response to Paul’s request to remove the thorn was never, “Deal with it.” Instead, it was always, “Rely on My grace. It IS sufficient.” God wasn’t going to remove the thorn, but He sure did give him an out. His grace to handle the thorn. Not punishment as it would seem, but discipline and a constant reminder and teacher of His grace and love.

Are you relying on God’s grace to sustain you?