“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it [the thorn in Paul’s flesh] away.  Each time he said, “My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness.”  So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT)

My brother-in-law, Kevin, has a thorn in his side.  Kevin has been sick for many years, suffering from kidney disease.  His most recent years have been spent on dialysis, hoping to get healthy and strong enough to qualify for a kidney transplant.  Kevin has been in and out of the hospital at least six times per year, if not more.

His body has been poked, prodded, and pinched too many times to count by nurses and doctors.  His body keeps going.  Each time he goes into the hospital with a fever, or pneumonia, or whatever the illness of the month is for Kevin, I wonder how much more his body can take.  I wonder if he’ll make it.  I wonder if he’s got the will to survive.  Kevin pulls through, every single time, and goes on with life until the next time his thorn appears.

My heart begs God to go ahead and take Kevin home.  I lament that he can’t possibly endure any more hardships and yet, Kevin miraculously pulls through, time after time. Kevin was recently admitted into the Cardiac Care Unit at the hospital.  His blood pressure was elevated for over 12 hours and they could not get it under control.  I prayed again that God would take him home.  But, once again, Kevin pulled through.  This is clear evidence to me that God is not finished with Kevin.

Kevin has spent plenty of time in darkness, and like Paul, has probably asked God to take away the thorn, or worse, hoping God would just put an end to his suffering.  Jesus responds by telling Paul and Kevin, and you and I that His power works best in our weakness.

God’s got a specific plan for Kevin and his life.  Only God knows what that plan is, but He is asking Kevin to persevere through his illness until His plan is fulfilled.  I finally get it.  Rather than pray for God to take Kevin home, I have started praying that God would reveal His plan for Kevin’s life and use him to be God’s hands and feet.

Are you suffering through illness?  What is the thorn in your flesh?  Don’t give up.  Persevere.  God has a plan for your life, and He will continue to pursue you until His plan is revealed and fulfilled.  Don’t believe me?  Just ask Kevin.

Be encouraged.  When we are weak, Christ power is strong.

His grace is all we need.

Peace be with you.

~Julia