Read 2 Corinthians 12:7–8
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 2 Corinthians 12:7

When God permits suffering to come into people’s lives, there are several ways they can deal with it. Some become bitter and blame God. Others “give up.” Still others grit their teeth and put on a brave front. While this is a courageous response, it usually drains them of the strength needed for daily living; and after a time, they may collapse. Was Paul sinning when he prayed to be delivered from Satan’s buffeting? I don’t think so. It is a normal thing for a Christian to ask God for deliverance from sickness and pain. God has not obligated Himself to heal every believer, but He has encouraged us to bring our burdens to Him.

There are those who would have us believe that an afflicted Christian is a disgrace to God. “If you are obeying the Lord and claiming all that you have in Christ,” they say, “then you will never be sick.” It is true that God promised the Jews special blessing and protection under the Old Covenant (see Deut. 7:12ff.), but He never promised the New Testament believers freedom from sickness or suffering.

Something to Ponder
What guidelines do you use to determine when to be persistent in prayer and when to accept something as a “thorn”?