Paul had a physical problem that was at odds with his dynamic personality and his drive to accomplish things he wanted to accomplish for the Lord. Many believe that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was a vision problem that had been caused by his Damascus Road conversion experience. Paul, however, seemed to sense strongly that his ongoing problem was aggravated by one of Satan’s demons sent to “buffet him.”
Still, God assured Paul that the apostle’s weakness allowed the Lord to use him in His service to the maximum extent. Somehow, the heavenly Father turned the apostle’s “weakness” into a tremendous strength. Paul realized that his infirmity kept him humble before the Lord and his fellow man. Foolish pride of self-achievement was thus eliminated. He depended totally on the Lord, and God did not let him down.
God’s Word tells His children to “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”(1 Peter 5:6). Paul could say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The apostle Paul further stated: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Paul’s experience was recorded in God’s Word, in part, to show God’s children that it is God who gives true strength of Christian character. God takes the lowly and meek. He discriminates against no one.