Thorn in my side

Paul tells a story in the bible about having a thorn in his side. He goes to God in prayer asking him to remove the thorn. Strangely, God tells him no. This has always bothered me. I have heard great men try to figure out what that thorn was but, there is no clear understanding. We all have a thorn in our lives. You know that thing that tries to suck you in and control your life. Some addiction or just some issue that you are facing. Paul said his thorn was, "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surprisingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." What if God removed the thorn? Would Paul have been the great missionary we know of today or a man full of pride and arrogance claiming all that took place was of his own hands? We all have a thorn in our lives. My challenge to you is this; don't ask God to remove the thorn but ask God to make you Strong IN HIM. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Let me ask you, when do you find yourself seeking God the most, in times of trouble or times of peace? Don't despise the thorn.