A THORN IN THE FLESH

 

MAY 9.
 
A thorn in the flesh.
 
2 Corinthians 12:6

 

WE are not informed what was Paul's peculiar trial at this time,
  and no doubt there is mercy in the concealment.
 
Most Christians have some thorn,
  which they cannot extract,
  which is a daily trial, and
  which wounds deeply and painfully.
 
If God sends us a thorn,
  no one but God can remove it;
  but if God sends it, it is sent in love.
 
It is to prevent some evil, or
  to prepare us for some good.
 
If it makes us pray,
  if it drives us to the Lord’s throne,
  if it humbles us in the dust,
  if it endures the promises,
  if it makes us long for heaven,
  if it teaches us deeply our need of Christ,
    it is a blessing.
 
Better be wounded by the sharpest thorn,
  then be allowed in ease, health, and prosperity,
  to wander from the Lord.
 
Beloved have you some painful thorn in the flesh,
  carry it to the Lord.
 
It may be sickly body,
  a trying family,
  a cross providence or
    some peculiar temptation!
 
But whatever it may be,
  take it to Jesus, and
  you will find his grace sufficient for you, and
  his strength made perfect in your weakness.
 
He only pains us for our good.
 

Lord, if consistent with thy will,

O take this thorn away,

But if for me ‘tis needful still

That it should longer stay,

Then patience give, the thorn to bear,

And faith to trust thy love and care.

 
James Smith 1849