When The Thorn In The Flesh Becomes A Gift

Send us Fan Mail A lot of us have a prayer we’ve repeated so many times we can say it without thinking: “God, take this away.” We go to 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 because Paul is honest enough to admit he begged for relief too, and wise enough to share what happened when the answer wasn’t removal. The “thorn in the flesh” is painful, personal, and persistent, but it also exposes something we don’t like to confess: success and spiritual gifts can grow a quiet pride, and God loves us enough to keep ...