God does not always choose to heal us. The Apostle Paul was a faithful Christian, yet God did not heal Paul. 2 Corinthians 12:7- “…a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We are not told what this “thorn in the flesh” was. Some believe it referred to poor eyesight. After Saul saw Jesus, he was blinded (Acts 9:8). Even though some of Paul’s eyesight was returned (Acts 9:18), his vision was still poor. In Gal. 6:11, Paul says, “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.” This faithful Apostle preached and wrote letters and served the Lord wholeheartedly. His life would have been much easier if he had had good eyesight.
However, because this thorn is described as a “messenger of Satan to harass me,” it has been suggested perhaps this is the shame and depression from memories of the atrocious acts Paul committed when he was known as the Pharisee Saul of Tarsus.
He asked God three times to remove this thorn in his flesh. Yet God did not heal him. What was Paul’s reaction? Paul learned the God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Paul chose to “boast” of his weaknesses “so that the power of Christ” could rest upon him. A paradigm shift! The Apostle Paul realized that if he can accomplish all he did WITH this issue, it shows God’ s glory to be even more powerful. The negative stressor becomes an opportunity and a catalyst for growth. What a beautiful example.
The Apostle James says something similar. James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Yes, trials, including physical problems, test our faith. These tests develop our characters and transform us into mature Christians. Your cousin would feel happier if she could recognize God is using her trials to pour out His blessings on her. God loves her!
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1037: “Is Christianity a Healing Religion?”
The how and why of early Christian healing and its place today
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Blog post: Should Christians perform healings?
