Enduring "Thorns in the Flesh"

In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," something students of the Bible have wondered about for centuries. As a class we didn't spend too much time speculating about what it might have been. What we did try to figure out was "How did Paul endure?"

The remarkable faith of this ancient apostle is inspiring considering all he suffered for Christ's sake: stripes, prisons, beatings, stonings, shipwrecks ... He dealt with hunger, thirst, frequent fasting, exposure in the cold ... He was robbed; he dealt with dishonest companions and idolatrous societies. (See 2 Corinthians 11:23-27) Wherever he went - from cities to the wilderness - he was in peril - and then there was the ever present "thorn."

As we pondered Paul's ability to endure, we also stopped to reflect on what helps us endure. Students were asked to fill in the blank on the following sentence:

If I ________________________, I will be strong enough to endure any trial, persecution or weakness of the flesh.

Here are a few of their entries:

... pray consistently with a heart full of love for the Lord
Jenna Hamzawi

... remain above, see in the distance, and gain perspective
Dan Moreno

... have faith in Christ
Brandon Stauffer

... keep on keepin' on
Jack D'Ottavio

... have faith and pray to the Lord
Jenn Gibson

... focus on the light at the end of the tunnel rather than becoming listless and depressed or moping about my situation
Kristy Brizee

... pray
Lauren Larson

... keep the commandments
Alyssa McPeak

... become like Christ
Parker Kjar

Like Paul, these students seem to grasp that the Lord's "... grace is sufficient for [them]: for [their] strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly will [they] rather glory in [their] infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon [them]." 2 Corinthians 12:9

I am grateful these students know that consistent prayer, eternal perspective, individual effort, faith in Christ, looking to His light, keeping His commandments and following His example will invite His power into their lives - giving them the strength to be happy, hopeful people - even if, like Paul, they must live with a "thorn in the flesh." May they always remember the crown of thorns Christ wore for their sakes, and the marks He still bears on His hands as an eternal reminder of His love and power to save us all!

The Road to Emmaus: Recognizing and Being Fed by the Savior

As we wrap up our study of the four gospels this week, we have had the opportunity to consider the many witnesses of Christ's victory over death. So many testified that He truly lives again!

Two of those witnesses walked with the Savior on the road to Emmaus (See Luke 24). Cleopas and his companion did not initially recognize the risen Lord, but after being fed by Him, both physically and spiritually, they realized that He was, indeed, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. The Spirit confirmed this truth as their "hearts burned within [them]" in His presence.

How does the Savior feed us? How can we recognize Him more clearly in our lives? Students responded to these questions this morning:

Brandon Stauffer:
The Savior gives me knowledge through personal prayer and scripture study. I can become more familiar with his teachings and gospel.

Jennifer Gibson:
The Savior feeds me through the scriptures when I read his words every day.

Courtney Anderson:
The Savior feeds me by blessing my life through the scriptures and the words of the prophets. Every day there are small things that the Savior uses to feed me. I can recognize him more clearly by staying on the path of righteousness and focusing on him.

Kennedy Faulk:
The Savior spiritually feeds me, and I can come to recognize him more clearly by being more faithful and spiritual and becoming a better representative of Christ.

Dan Moreno:
The Savior puts wise people in my path to listen to and for me to seek others.

Alyssa McPeak:
He feeds me with the gospel in my life to keep my sights high. To recognize him more clearly I can pray, read scriptures, keep commandments and have a pure heart.

Kristy Brizee:
Just simply feeling my Savior's love and delighting in the gospel gives me that satisfying feeling and spiritual energy boost.

Christina Wood:
Symbolically the Savior feeds me by giving me spiritual experiences. I can recognize him more clearly by doing things that will allow me to feel the Spirit.

Parker Kjar:
The Savior feeds me through the scriptures. I can recognize him through the Holy Ghost.

Vanessa Steeves:
The Savior feeds me by giving me scriptures to read so I can gain more knowledge of Him and our Heavenly Father. I can recognize Him more clearly by reading my scriptures.

Jenna Hamzawi:
The Savior feeds me by giving me the desire to read his words. I am actually at the point of being excited to read the words of the New Testament, and I have not skipped a single night of scripture study. He sends me the Holy Ghost to identify my wrong doings of the day so that I can repent.

Jourdan Satterfield:
He gives me his words that I may feast upon them. I can recognize Him more when I truly study the scriptures in hope that I may truly know the Savior.

Jack D'Ottavio:
He feeds me in everything and every aspect of anything good He does for me. I can stay righteous so I can hear that still, small whisper.

Britanie Kersey:
He feeds me with the Spirit so I know what I need to do and what is right. He feeds me when I read the scriptures or listen to testimonies that His church is true. I can recognize Him more clearly by taking time to just listen and let His Spirit teach me.