When the Thorn Isn’t the Sin — It’s the Refusal to Surrender
When Paul talked about having a “thorn in his flesh,” he was describing a persistent struggle God allowed in his life to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Scripture doesn’t specify what the thorn actually was - only that it was a “messenger of Satan” sent to torment him. Some believe it was a physical issue, others say persecution, and others think it may have been a temptation. Whatever it was, God used it for purpose: to cultivate humility, to showcase His grace, and to reveal that real strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul prayed three times for the thorn to be removed, and God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Recently, I’ve spoken with several women battling addictions and private struggles. They are all believers who truly want to live righteously, but the pull of old habits sometimes draws them back. One woman told me earlier this year, “If someone is a true believer, they won’t even want to do the things they did before they got saved. No real Christian is caught up in sin.”
When I hung up the phone, I couldn’t shake the thought: “Father, she reminds me of the parable of the soils - the seed that fell on rocky ground. She has received the Word with joy, but her roots are shallow. And when trials, guilt, or condemnation arise, she will wither.” (Matthew 13:20–21). I prayed, “Humble her, Lord. Show her that this walk includes ups and downs, tests and temptations, and seasons where we have to fight harder to stay aligned with You.”
A few months later, she called me again - but this time her voice was different. Gone was the pride; instead, she sounded humbled and broken. She admitted she had fallen into sin, and condemnation had crept in fast. And like many who stumble, she felt unworthy, ashamed, and far from God. The enemy has no new tricks; he simply repackages the same old lies, coated in modern language, hoping to isolate believers from fellowship and from grace.
Hidden sin almost always leads to hiding. I remember my own struggles with fornication, cigarettes, and even road rage. I created routines to cover my behavior - inviting my partner over only at certain times, smoking only after my son was asleep, and pretending everything was fine while attending a Bible Institute. Deep down, I knew none of it honored God or the body He calls His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
People often ask whether smoking is a sin. Scripture teaches in 1 Corinthians 8:12 that if our actions cause someone with a weaker conscience to stumble, we sin against Christ. And Romans 12:1 reminds us that our bodies are to be presented as a living sacrifice - holy and acceptable to God. Sin isn’t limited to outward actions like smoking, fornication, drinking, or drugs. It also includes bitterness, pride, jealousy, hatred, and undisciplined thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). The truth is: God doesn’t demand perfection, but He does call us to surrender.
God desires freedom for us - emotionally, physically, and spiritually - so that we can worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Though we live in a fallen world, restoration is coming. Just as Moses told Israel, “The Egyptians you see today, you will see again no more” (Exodus 14:13), the sins that chase us today will not follow us into eternity. When Christ returns, every addiction, every temptation, and every thorn will be destroyed.
Until then - we fight. We don’t hide behind “I’m a work in progress” as an excuse to stop seeking holiness. When God gives moments of clarity or freedom, we thank Him for the glimpse of what’s coming. And if He grants total deliverance now, we rejoice. But if you relapse - get back up. Wipe your tears. Keep walking. God’s grace is still sufficient. Whatever your struggle is today, God is able.
Prayer
Father God, I come to You as humbly as I know how. Your Word reminds me that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41), and that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Lord, You know the hidden sins of my heart - the places I am ashamed to expose. My desire is to be delivered and set free. I believe Your Word when it says that by Your stripes I am healed (Isaiah 53:5), even when I don’t feel healed in the moment of my struggle.
Today, I surrender. I lay every desire of my flesh at Your feet. Help me to submit my will to Yours. Teach me to fast and pray, knowing that some battles are only broken through fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21). Help me embrace a biblical fast - not substitutes - but true surrender that weakens my flesh and strengthens my spirit. Thank You for hearing my prayer.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.