Top 5 Ways to Handle the Thorn in Your Flesh

As my ministry assistant aptly pointed out today, I have missed two weeks of blogging!  I apologize for doing so, but two weeks ago was camp and last week I was having major back troubles.  Now, as she also pointed out, "no excuses!" So, I don't offer those as excuses, but actually as a way to lead into today's blog.

For almost six years I have been battling spinal stenosis and degenerative disk disease, both of which are advanced. Advanced, in this case, means that I have the spine of a 65-75 year old with normal progression. This causes disc problems and bone spurs, both of which can really slow me down. I live with a daily dose of pain and the only real question is, "how bad will it hurt", not merely "will it hurt."  This has definitely become the "thorn in my flesh" like Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 12:2-10.

With that in mind, today I will offer you 5 ways to deal with the "thorn" in your flesh, if in fact it doesn't seem that God is going to heal you right now.

5) Keep Praying:  Just because I haven't been healed today, doesn't mean I won't be healed tomorrow. I keep praying and regularly ask God to heal me. Countless times God has healed me, though they have been temporary. I have found that when I needed it the most, He has always come through.


4) Don't Get Mad: This is easier said than done, I know. There have been times that I have sat in anger and pain, tears in my eyes, and cried out to God to deliver me from this disease. Over time, I have learned how to deal with this in a more productive way and when I feel myself getting down or angry, I turn it back to praise by recognize how God is carrying me through it. Just like Paul, in my weakness, He is made stronger.


3) Praise God:  There are times when I don't feel as bad as others. As I type this today, my pain is at about a 5 on a scale of 10 and it's been increasing all morning.  Typically, by the end of the day, it is at an 8 or 9 and I find it difficult to even eat dinner without wanting to go lay down. When my pain level is at a 5 or below, I try to praise God for that!  It helps me remember how good it feels to not hurt as bad. When it is above that, I reflect on those times when it is less than a 5 and give him praise for I know healing is coming in one way or another.


2) Use it for His Glory:  Facebook is an amazing thing. Unless, you use it for a stage to vent from. Then it can be depressing and irritating to view.  I try and often post about how God is carrying me through the pain or going to get me beyond where I am at that moment. I try to remain positive in my posts and although I ask for prayer in many of them, I try and stay away from sounding defeated. Those posts can help others, encourage my readers and give God the glory and ultimately, they make me feel good too.



1) Don't Give Up: Just because God hasn't taken that thorn away from you, doesn't mean He won't.  We don't know how or when, but eventually, God will work it out for his glory.  Many times when things are going well, we tend to forget how much we need God. It is during these tough times that we depend on him greatly, so do just that. Depend on Him because it will be God and God alone that brings you the healing. Take it one day at the time and remember, don't give up and keep on living!


I know many thorns are in many of my readers and I hope these tips have helped you!  Do you have any ideas?

Now...off to the lake!  That’s right, the lake! I found that I enjoy the lake much more than the river, now that I have a 1985 Lowe Pontoon boat! Never stop living!

Chester