⁷ So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,^[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. (2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV)

When I think about what an inspiration Paul is even to this day, to read about his life and the troubles he faced, I am so greatly humbled. Here was a man who walked in shoes I do not think I could have. He is a pillar of the faith to be sure.

But even with all he did and the great influence he became God gave him a thorn to keep him humble. God knew that without something to continue to draw Paul back to who he was only in Christ would his pride not take over.

Pride is the primary culprit of most of our sin. It is the thing that makes us believe that we deserve more. Thus, I have found few strong Christians, especially men, who do not have some form of thorn to keep them humble. God knows just how we can be without something to keep our pride at bay.

Reflect on: What your thorn might be and how God is using it to make you more faithful.