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!
