Hi TwasGrace.  Seems ultimately, he's the one who has to let it go.  I wonder if prodding him about it though will help.

Sometimes you can set circumstances up to help them "see"--and of course with prayer for that person, too!!

Sometimes other people such as you mention are put there for our learning as much as for their own.  Maybe your friend there is YOUR thorn!!  

(hehe)

Of course I agree that ultimately, by God's Grace, he's the one that has to "let it go".  I was only questioning whether using the "Thorn" as an excuse was "appropriate" so to speak.  Also, by NO means, do I "prod" my family member.  He seeks prayer and guidance from us, and we continue to do so. Lest we forget that we ALL fall short of the Glory of God. I'm thankful he shares his burden, as we all should do.  I have seen God Almighty Himself put circumstances in his path to help him "see", but my family member will come to know in God's time...noone else's. He is certainly not my "thorn"...he is my brother in Christ that I will continue to edify as the Bible commands us to do with one another.  Which is to be done in a gentle, kind, and loving way.  Something that is shown here...most of the time. (ha ha).

Thanks for your reply John.  He was raised Baptist.  I hope I can get through to him with God's help.

In His Love,
TwasGrace

Kathleen,

Your story reminds me of a similar experience I had with my daughter this past Thanksgiving.  She was playing with all her cousins and the next thing I heard was her head hitting the corner of a wall!  Instantly a huge bruised goose-egg bump appeard on her forehead.  Fortunately, there are many Christians in my immediate family.  One prayed with me immediately while my husband was getting our daughter ready to leave.  I told everyone not to worry, but it was getting late anyway so we took her home to keep a close eye on her.  

On the way home, she had an ice pack in her hand, but it never made it up to her head!  She complained of feeling sick and wanted to go to sleep.  I felt myself start to panic..then...I remembered my precious Savior was watching over His children and felt a peace come over me.  I thanked Him for the peace and the knowledge of His Word and Love. I reassured her that she would be fine all the way home.  We went to the mirror as soon as we got home....and Glory to God there wasn't anything to see!  We had to use our hands to feel a tiny bump that remained!  

I wish there were more postings of answered prayers....
They are such a blessing!!

Thanks everyone.  I wasn't sure if I was missing a scripture somewhere that possibly revealed the "thorn".  I understand that it teaches us a mighty lesson in humbling ourselves to our Lord.  Here's the main reason I asked:  I have a family member that believes in Jesus and has given his life to Him...baptized...goes to church regularly.. and is involved in the church in many ways... But, he also (occasionally..every year or so) will struggle with his old addictions.  Drinking and uppers.  When opproached about it, he brings up Paul's "thorn".  I think he uses it as an excuse.  He returns to Jesus for help every time and overcomes the problem...but only to have it creep back again in a year or so.  It is very embarrasing and shamful for him, and I feel that sometimes the guilt he feels over it keeps him from repenting and trusting in God sooner than he does. Any comments would be appreciated!

By His Grace Alone~

I understand that part...but I still don't "get" what he ment by "a thorn in my flesh...etc".

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and really enjoy it.  I hope some of you can enlighten me on a piece of scripture that I don't understand.
It is 2 Corinthians 12:7. Please help me to understand this particular sentence.   "...I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud..."

Thanks,
TwasGrace