I enjoy reading and spending time in books, both fiction and non-fiction. I like a good novel that keeps me up way too late. The last couple of years my wife turned me on to audible books, so I listen my way through good books as well.

The Apostle Paul enjoyed books. He grew up a scholar, studying under the leading professors of his day. Reading and writing formed his life, his persona. But over time a problem developed:

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

What thorn afflicted Paul? Probably his bad and ever-declining eyesight (see Galatians 4:15 & 6:11). What could be worse for a brilliant scholar and writer? I think of Paul as he traveled, half-blind, speaking to crowds he barely saw, dictating letters and dependent on others to read to him.

Do we all have a thorn in the flesh? (Spoiler alert—it’s not your spouse). An infirmity we cannot shake? Over time all of us experience such situations. Our bodies deteriorate. We cannot do what we once did easily. I prefer my large print Bible these days.

Paul hated his thorn, only grudgingly accepted it, yet eventually saw the Lord more clearly through his weak eyes. He watched God’s power grow and spread, resting in grace. Good perspective as I face similar circumstances.

2 Corinthians 12 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Andrey Grinkevich