Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7

There's uncertainty as to what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was, but I tend to agree with the view that it was a physical weakness.  Paul pleaded with God to remove it--3 times he pleaded, and God would not remove it.    He called it a "messenger of Satan to buffet" him, "lest he be exalted above measure," but he also called it an "infirmity" or "weakness" (both words translate the same Greek word in the New Testament).   God said, "His strength is made perfect in weakness."  The reference to a "messenger of Satan" may lead one to conclude it was some form of persecution, but Satan can use a health problem to cause affliction--as he did with Job, whose body was covered with painful boils (Job 2;7).  I believe the thorn was something physical nature, a health related issue, because Paul identified it as an infirmity, which he distinguishes from persecutions: I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 There is reason to think that Paul had a problem with his eyes:  You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first.  And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. ... I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.  Galatians 4:13-15   It is through physical weakness that God can have a greater witness, because of the character of the one who suffers.  There can be a greater witness in the truth spoken and lived out when one is physical weak or handicapped.  We can pray for healing, especially if it is a life-threatening issue, or if it involves pain that makes life unbearable, but I tend to believe that in many, if not most cases, healing does not come, but we can receive grace to respond to our weakness in a God-honoring way.  As the Lord said to Paul: My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.  And Paul responded: Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me...For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10