A Thorn in the Flesh

Written By Betty Predmore

2 CORINTHIANS 12: 1-10

(September 11)

Have you ever heard that phrase "a thorn in my flesh?" Perhaps the speaker was referring to a situation in their lives. Or maybe it was a person that was causing them angst. It could have been a sickness or condition that caused perpetual problems. Whatever it was, the phrase was surely intended for something negative that was causing issues.

Paul continues his boasting in his own weakness. How easy it would have been for him to become proud of all he was doing and all he had endured. It was certainly boast-worthy!

But he had a little reminder that kept him from boasting out of pride ... "So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud." (verse 7)

We don't know what that thorn was. Paul never reveals its identity. Some scholars have thought it might be some type of health condition. We won't know this side of heaven, but wheat we DO know is that it was chronic and debilitating, and it kept him from working at times in his life.

Did Paul accept this thorn willingly? Not at first. It was hindering his ministry and he prayed for it to be removed. God did not remove the thorn.

The thorn was left to hinder Paul for a very specific reason ... to keep him humble and remind him of his need for constant contact with God. This not only benefitted Paul, but also all those around him who saw God working in his life, despite the thorn in his flesh.

Paul recognized that this thorn kept him humble and weak, and he was happy to be weak in his own strength, because he knew his strength was in God. Now THAT he could boast about!

Think about it. Have you received a thorn in the flesh that keeps you dependent upon God? Even when it is hard or uncomfortable, God knows what he is doing. If we can trust him with our thorns, we can trust him with our lives.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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