Matthew 6:33 Am I spiritually like a kid that helps himself to the biggest piece of cake, with the most frosting? Does God feel like I am leaving him the smallest portion or even the crumbs of my life and energy? He wants the biggest, best slice. He may even want seconds!

A Thorn in the Flesh

2 Corinthians 12:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 Paul expressed he didn’t know how the man he described had a revelation, but it was a glorious thing to report. In himself, he shared that he would rather find glory in his infirmaties. He didn't want to be found in pride or arrogance, reporting something that would reflect glory to himself.

Thorns get your attention. Paul had every reason to fall into arrogance (hubris) because of his own intellience and training. Paul says a thorn in the flesh is a gift and a reminder to keep him from hubris.

Genesis 3:1,2,3,4,5 The serpent was subtle, seductive, and manipulative. The woman understood the original message from God. The serpent began to engage in a seductive conversation. The enemy wants to get in between people; he plants thoughts and amplifies problems. There was truth and error mixed together in his words. My motive will help me discern the spirit.

Philippians 3:1,2,3,4,5,6 Left our devices, humans will corrupt the things that are good. Paul expressed that he was formerly lifted up in pride.

The arrogance of the flesh appears at times in our daily life and in our relationships, even after salvation. Paul had flesh that could be affected by a thorn.

2 Corinthians 11:22,23,24,25,26,27 This is Paul’s resume after his transformation in contrast with his description in Philippians.

Human nature wants to survive as a core need. It is a moral good. It’s corrupted when in order to survive, I want to destroy or defeat another.

A thorn in the flesh is a gift. It is given to me. I don’t need to run away from it or eliminate it. It is something of value. Paul's thorn was antidote to pride and an attention-getting reminder. The thorn reminds me that I need God and I can’t do this in my own strength.

Genesis 32:24,25,26,27,28-3 Jacob remembered, “The reason I am lame is because I wrestled with God and he changed my name. I am no longer a surplanter.”

Pay attention to the poke of your thorn! Am I willing to have a wrestling match with God?