Thorn of Glory

2 Corinthians 12:7-10    
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

To keep Paul humble and God-reliant in the midst of all the glorious things revealed to him, he was given a messenger of the Adversary as a stabbing thorn.  He prayed for relief, but was answered with grace to lean on instead.  God showed him that walking daily by faith to trust Him revealed God’s strength in this weakness.  This then enabled Paul to not only accept the attacks, but glorify God by boasting in His grace and strength alone.  Like Christ suffering for him, Paul suffered for the joy set before him, no matter what form the assaults took as listed in verse 10.  He found strength in his weakness, as should we also.  Christ alone is our strength, not our own ability or resolve or tenacity.  To Him be the glory!