Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
We shouldn't, of course, think that Paul's life of discipleship was one of unrelenting suffering, as the previous chapter might suggest. Far from it: he was given visions of glory that sustained him in his discipleship. He writes about being 'snatched up to the highest heaven' (verse 2) rather oddly, as though he is speaking of someone else, when it's clear that he means himself. He's being entirely consistent, though; he writes much more easily about his sufferings than he does about the blessings that might really impress people, because he doesn't want them to be impressed by him personally, but by his message. And even these blessings come with a downside: God gives him a 'painful physical ailment' (verse 7) to keep him humble.
We don't know what this 'thorn in the flesh' was, or why God did not heal him in spite of his prayers. But we understand his situation very well; most of us know what it's like to have problems we cannot solve, whether they're physical illnesses, family worries or other issues. They can, if we aren't careful, take away our joy. For Paul, though, the focus remains on Christ: his thorn keeps him from being too self-reliant, but it doesn't mean that he's not deeply thankful for his blessings.
Not all problems can be fixed. But we can learn to respond to them or live with them in a way that deepens our relationship with God rather than damages it.
God, when there are thorns in my flesh – problems I can't solve no matter how much I pray – help me to trust you anyway, and to be thankful for your blessings to me.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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