A Thorn in the Flesh

Few doctors like to be patients.  In fact, most patients don’t like to be patients.  

Doctors are a special kind of patient.  They are used to being in control, understanding things, and instructing others on what to do.  It is an act of submission to be a good patient, and that does not come naturally to all doctors.  In fact, that does not come naturally to many non-physician patients either.

One of my colleagues passed away from complications of a neuromuscular degenerative disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.  His obituary commented that he redefined the acronym ALS as “Always Love the Savior.”  The parallel here to our Christian walk is clear—we are called to submit to God’s will for our lives, even if that means struggle, hardship, or pain.  And even if that means that we have to endure sickness or disease. 

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul talked about his “thorn in the flesh.”  “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh.”  When he pleaded with God to have it removed, God’s response was “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Paul’s response was to “delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  What does it take for us to have a faith like that?

What can these “thorns in the flesh” do for us now?  With regard to illness “thorns,” they often help us remember to live each day to the fullest, being grateful for the time we have to spend with our family, and joyful of the abilities we still have.  It can keep us focused on what it really means to be a Christian.