The Thorn Gift

The Apostle Paul had a spiritual experience so rich, so wonderful, so personal, that he was reluctant to ever speak of it. He was caught up to heaven, where he heard things he could not reveal to anyone. But the revelations Paul received came with a memento, a gift in the form of a physical affliction, a humbling reminder of Paul's humanness, in order to keep him from being exalted above measure.
Who sent Paul the affliction? If you answer Satan, you are half right. Paul calls it "a messenger of Satan, to buffet me." But it was also a gift of God, to sanctify him.
The gift kept Paul humble; the pain drove him to prayer;God was glorified through it;and Paul learned that God's grace was sufficient for him.
This sermon can be an encouragement to all who are struggling with physical, mental or emotional pain. It seemed to bless the flock at Liberty.