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One of the most perplexing scenes of Paul’s life is found in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul states “a thorn in the flesh was given to me.” Many people attempt to determine what was the thorn that Paul has in his life. But few ask, why is it that he received the thorn? The full answer lies in the preceding verses. Paul states that fourteen years earlier, he was brought up to heaven. He saw and heard things which are inexpressible. The result of this heavenly vision: He is given a thorn in the flesh.
God uses Satan to defeat the purposes of Satan. God did it with Job, He did it with Judas and He now does it with Paul. Let us learn from the life of Paul and see what the Lord means when he tells Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven… how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.” 2 Corinthians 12:2-6.
