Notice an example from Paul that gives some reason for God’s choice to remove or allow a physical infirmity. We gain this insight from Paul’s request to remove his thorn in the flesh that is recorded in second Corinthians twelve. Consider the following observations:
- There was given me a thorn in the flesh to keep me from exalting myself
- The thorn in the flesh was a “messenger of Satan”
- Power is perfected in weakness. So, I will boast about my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
- When I am weak (insults, distresses, persecutions, difficulties for Christ’s sake), then am I strong.
Question: If this thorn was a messenger of Satan, why would he want to help Paul not to exalt himself? Answer: The same thorn was designed for different purposes. God meant it for good, but Satan meant it for evil. Since God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17) and cannot be accused of tempting anyone to sin (James 1:13-15), it did not originate with Him. However, once His children receive it, He often allows its continuance for the value it may have for us. Once the temptation, sickness, persecution, etc. comes from the hand of Satan or his emissaries, God hears our prayers and answers according to what is best for us. It was best for Paul to keep his thorn in the flesh. It may or may not be advantageous for God to make the same conclusion in your case. But, in each case, know that God will always act in our best interest (Heb. 12:10-11).
Someone will think that if God cares, why would he want us to suffer without being moved with compassion to relieve it and grant healing from all sickness and disease? The reason is that life eternal is not about the pleasures of this earthly existence and if our affection is on things above where Christ is seated at God’s right hand, our longing will be there, not here. We are only on a journey in a foreign land. Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). This does not mean that God does not care or that He or His Spirit does not have the power to alleviate all pain, sickness and death. Because our affection is on things above, our perspectives of heartache, sickness, or pain are different than the world. Consider this quote from Paul:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18).
Again, pay attention to his reference to “light affliction” in the following quote:
Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
(2 Cor. 4:16-17). The afflictions that Paul and others endured were far from being “light afflictions” (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-27) in reality. Yet, when compared to that which is not seen and the glory that will be revealed in us, it is “light.” It is for this same reason that the Hebrew writer could speak of Jesus enduring the cross and hostility of sinners because of the joy that was set before him (Heb. 12:2). He sat down at the right hand of the Father and knowing that was the reward, he endured the cross and despised the shame. Likewise, having the same confidence in our reward and the faithfulness of God, we can endure the hardships of this life. Furthermore, why would God remove them if He knows it will turn out for our good?