Paul’s thorn (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), much has been written about it, many have speculated as to what that thorn really was, but no one really knows for sure, and I really like that.
It’s good that the thorn remains a mystery because it makes it easier to relate to. If we knew what Peter’s thorn was then we may or may not share it. If we didn’t, then it would be easy to dismiss it. “Oh, poor Peter, it must have been so difficult, but I don’t have that problem…” So, the thorn could be something we don’t battle with, or…
We all have thorns in our sides, we all ask for relief, for the thorn to be removed or healed. We all share Peter’s woes. And, we all receive the same answer, ‘My Grace is Sufficient for You’.
Thorns keep us humble and thorns keep us focused on God’s Grace.
What was Peter’s thorn? Does it really matter? Not really, but what does matter is that we have a similar thorn, we need to recognize it, pray about it, and accept God’s Grace, which is always sufficient.
Reflections on the Journey 
Very wise. Perhaps complete happiness without any obstacles is not possible until we reach heaven. Maybe feeling bad (i.e. experiencing the thorn) is a reminder of our need for God.
I think you are right on Jade…and yet, we still long for that happiness and sometimes blame God even though Jesus told us that it wouldn’t be easy to follow in his footsteps.
Andie, I want to comment privately. Shoot me an email when you can. Rich richmaffeo@yahoo.com
Thanks Rich
It’s good that the thorn remains a mystery — what wise insight there, Andie. Thanks for this! Saw your earlier post about being out of the loop for a while…me too, and so glad to be back here today!
I’m glad you’re back as well Kim – thanks for stopping by
I read a poem that gave me a whole new respect for the purpose of thorns. Listen to the last line of a poem by Martha Snell Nicholson:
“I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace, He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil that hides his face.”
Isn’t that beautiful?! The rest of the poem can be found here:
http://www.allisonwelch.com/myfirstyear/2011/03/on-the-subject-of-suffering.html
Oh that is so beautiful Allison, I never heard that before. I’m on my way to read the entire poem – thanks!!!
Good post for me to think about as I’ve been ignoring this major thorn in my side. It starts off easy to ignore, but then it starts to hurt. Thanks, Andie.
So true Amy, when ignored the pain increases. Thanks for that!
Andie: I always wanted to know what “the thorn” was, but reading your post made me glad I don’t. You are right, we all have them and ours always seems the most painful! Great insight here….Lori