Thorn in flesh: "messenger of Satan" to buffet/harass/torment, lest exalted.
Pleaded 3x for removal; God: "My grace is sufficient... strength perfect in weakness."
Paul boasts in infirmities; takes pleasure in them (infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, distresses) for Christ's power; "when weak, then strong."
Nature of Thorn
Unknown exactly; educated guesses:
Eye disease/ailment (Galatians 4 illness delayed travel; desire to give eyes; large letters in Galatians 6:11; possible migraine with aura per NIH article).
External opposition (beatings, etc.).
Vague intentionally: represents any painful trial (physical, emotional, spiritual).
Greek skolops: stake/tent peg/impaling stake (severe, not rose thorn).
Source: Satan, but God sovereignly allows (like Job: Satan afflicts with God's permission for greater good).
Godly Response to Suffering (THORN Acronym)
Teachable: Trials as lessons (not always corrective, often instructive of God's love); glory in tribulations (produces perseverance, character, hope).
Humble: Prevents pride (highs for hope, lows for humility); better self-humble than God-imposed.
Oriented to heaven/prayer: Crisis boosts prayer life; Paul pleaded 3x, accepted God's peace/grace.
Reliant: On God's grace/strength, not self (boast in weakness for Christ's power).
Near Jesus: Cherish trials keeping close to Him; "take pleasure" in weaknesses.
Examples of Perseverance
Joni Eareckson Tada: Quadriplegic 50+ years (diving accident), breast cancer; calls suffering "gift"; "God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves" (closeness to Him).
Fanny Crosby: Blind from 6 weeks; wrote 8,000+ hymns; viewed blindness as gift for future sight of Savior.
Closing
Prayer for those in trials: God's grace/strength sufficient; perseverance to glory.