PART II: Everyone Has a Thorn

 

“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

James 1:2-3

 

Everyone Has a Thorn. Today, in PART II, we are continuing to talk about the disciple Paul’s thorn(s). Just like we sometimes must deal with thorns in our lives, there is much to learn from this study surrounding the thorn (s) that God allowed Paul to endure. Many have wondered just what his thorn was. A physical condition? Mental health? As far as scripture tells us, Paul’s thorn(s) were two-fold, though he only describes the former as his thorn. His thorns apparently included both a physical condition of some kind, and he also experienced frequent incarceration at the hands of the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus. And he learned much from his suffering:

Let’s take a look at the following scripture from PART I to see how Paul’s thorn(s) impacted him, and the possible implications for us all when we are challenged by suffering:

“…You know that it was because of a physical illness that I originally preached the gospel to you, and you did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition…”  

Paul to the Galatians 4:13

The Apostle Paul’s motivation and faith were likely enhanced by, and evolved from, his suffering. In essence, he experienced what we all do: Everyone has a thorn…He even used his times of incarceration for writing letters to Jesus’ disciples to encourage them and spread the Gospel far and wide. Here are some other important scriptures that tell us what we do know about Paul’s thorn (s)

 

^“I want you to know brothers that my situation has turned out rather to advance the gospel, so that my imprisonment has become well known in Christ… and so that the majority of the brothers, having taken encouragement in the Lord from my imprisonment, dare more than ever to proclaim the word fearlessly.”

Philippians 1:12-14

 

 “Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:19-20

 

For to you has been granted, for the sake of Christ, not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him. Yours is the same struggle as you saw in me and now hear about me.^”

Philippians 1:27-30

 

 “…For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Philippians 4:11-13

 

^‘…Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”

James 5:10-12

 

As you can see, there is much for all of us to learn from Paul’s thorn (s). Paul’s plight answers an important, timeless, pressing question: Why must some people endure thorn (s) that leave them vulnerable and hurting? Well, as we have seen in this study, sometimes bad things do happen to good people. And it doesn’t mean God has caused it, but He allows it and is able to use every circumstance for good, if we are willing to do our part.

 

The following are some of ways that Paul’s suffering impacted him, here are some of them that are well-worth mentioning. The list is a long one, but important for us to review and learn from:

1. God allowed Paul’s thorns, but God didn’t cause it them.
2. He said he started his ministry because of his above-mentioned thorn. His second thorn was a result of his decision to preach the Gospel.
3. His thorn helped him in His ministry get started and ongoing.
4. His faith grew as a result of it.
5. He was a wonderful example to others of perseverance.
6. Three times Paul asked God to remove his thorn, but He did not and Paul ended up having to endure it.
7. Paul grew to accept his thorn without any bitterness.
8. Paul’s second thorn included enduring numerous incarcerations for spreading the Gospel.
9. God gave him the grace he needed to deal with his thorn.
10. He learned patience and endurance from his thorn.
11. Paul’s ministry was fueled by the prayers of many to keep going.
12. His thorn was an encouragement to others.
13. He was willing to suffer for Christ.
14. He was able to rejoice in his suffering.
15. He saw his thorn as a both a test, and a testament of his faith in Jesus.
16. He learned how to be content in any circumstance.

 

God gives those who turn to Him strength–and peace that surpasses understanding— even joy, for their faithfulness. Including and especially those who are suffering. He equips us for every good work that He calls us to do. Even though Paul suffered from both a non-descript physical condition and incarceration, it is our gain, as he taught us perseverance and how to grow in faith through his adversity. And his scriptural writings reveal to us a sort of road map as to how to endure our thorns with God’s grace.

 

Suffering is never wasted on the faithful who cleave onto God in the name of Jesus Christ. In that way, those challenged by living with their thorns can, like Paul, serve as a beacon of Light for those around them, leading them to Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

© Copyright 2022   |   Adele M. Gill

[Scriptures are from NABRE, NIV, NASB]

______________________________________________________________________

Greetings from The Inspiration Café Blog & Podcast!

Here are 3 links to my website:

PODCAST:  https://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net/podcast

BLOG:  https://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net/blog

2-SECOND PRAYERS:  https://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net/prayers

See you at The Inspiration Café!