OCTOBER 15 - THORN IN THE FLESH
READ 2 Corinthians 12
Paul was given a vision of heaven and then "a thorn in the flesh" to keep him humble.
INSIGHT
The Bible gives us a number of reasons why Christians suffer adversity. One reason is to strengthen and mature us. Another is that it is the natural consequence of our own foolishness from which God does not necessarily protect us. And another reason Paul gives us in today's chapter is to keep us humble. If things always went well for us, if life was always "coming up roses," we would tend to become conceited, to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and perhaps think less of others. Notice that Paul only prayed three times for the removal of his "thorn in the flesh" (vv. 7-8). When it was clear that God was not going to remove it, Paul accepted it.
PRAYER
Because the Lord always has a reason for allowing adversity, we can praise Him for all things:
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts,
And I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness
And will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger and great in faithful love.
The Lord is good to everyone;
His compassion rests on all he has made
(Psalm 145:6-9).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Then pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Make your ways known to me, Lord;
Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation;
I wait for you all day long
(Psalm 25:4-5).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment
(2 Timothy 1:7).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, close with this prayer to the Lord:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
Establish for us the work of our hands —
Establish the work of our hands!
(Psalm 90:17).
Paul was given a vision of heaven and then "a thorn in the flesh" to keep him humble.
INSIGHT
The Bible gives us a number of reasons why Christians suffer adversity. One reason is to strengthen and mature us. Another is that it is the natural consequence of our own foolishness from which God does not necessarily protect us. And another reason Paul gives us in today's chapter is to keep us humble. If things always went well for us, if life was always "coming up roses," we would tend to become conceited, to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and perhaps think less of others. Notice that Paul only prayed three times for the removal of his "thorn in the flesh" (vv. 7-8). When it was clear that God was not going to remove it, Paul accepted it.
PRAYER
Because the Lord always has a reason for allowing adversity, we can praise Him for all things:
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts,
And I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness
And will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger and great in faithful love.
The Lord is good to everyone;
His compassion rests on all he has made
(Psalm 145:6-9).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Then pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Make your ways known to me, Lord;
Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation;
I wait for you all day long
(Psalm 25:4-5).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment
(2 Timothy 1:7).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Patience in difficult circumstances
- The work of missions in South America
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, close with this prayer to the Lord:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
Establish for us the work of our hands —
Establish the work of our hands!
(Psalm 90:17).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.