2 Corinthans 12: 7- 9

7 So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Have you ever wondered what exactly Paul’s “thorn” was?  This week I’ve learned that theologians have been asking the question and supplying answers.  Lots of answers.
Think about the thorn in your life.  Satan’s goal is to harass and torment you – to discourage you.  He wants to paralyze you with fear.  A thorn may be in your flesh like Paul.  Or it may be in your mind; a persistent doubt.  Maybe it’s in your emotions; a grief that will not fade.

But God’s “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Through the years songwriters have helped me express myself during hard times.  Take a minute to read Keith Green’s
Trials Turned to Gold.

He’s brought me here, where things are clear
And trials turn to gold
He shared with me, His victory
He won in days of old

Oh Lord, I don’t deserve
The riches of your word
But You’ve changed my filthy rags
To linen white as snow

The view from here is nothing near
To what it is for You
I tried to see Your plan for me
But I only acted like I knew

Oh Lord forgive the times
I tried to read your mind
Cause you said if I’d be still
Then I would hear your voice

My Lord, my King, my urge to sing
And praise the things above
No words can say the glorious way
You changed me with your love

He’s brought me low, so I could know
The way to reach the heights
To forsake my dreams, my self esteem
And give up all my rights

With each one that I lay down
A jewel’s placed in my crown
Cause His love, the things above
Is all we’ll ever need

He’s brought me here, where things are clear
And trials turn to gold