A Thorn in the Flesh: Finding Strength And Hope Amid Suffering

by Pablo Martinez

What is a 'thorn'? Pablo Martinez knows all too well first-hand. For more than twenty-five years he has suffered with a rare eye disease. Others have experienced traumatic loss, too terrible for words. Pablo meets these people all the time through his work. Pablo identifies five traits of a thorn. It is; painful; limiting; humiliating; prolonged; something to fight against. In the New Testament, Paul shared his experience of a thorn (2 Corinthians 12:7 - 10). God chose not to remove it in spite of his pleading. In the context of our salvation, Jesus suffered more than any person has ever suffered. God's identification with human tragedy is perfectly expressed in the name Emmanuel: God with us. Humbly and wisely, Pablo guides us beyond the 'why' of suffering to a place of hope.

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2007

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging book about health and suffering in the Christian life. Well written, insightful and encouraging. Lots of great Bible verses and personal stories. Would recommend to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God.

[Sindre Fidje Nilssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

En fin og enkel bok som forsøker å forstå Paulus sin «torn i kjødet» og hvordan en slik torne kan spille seg ut i menneskers liv. Boka tar opp perspektiver på lidelse, og hvordan Gud kan bruke det til å forme og utruste oss. Jeg savnet kanskje litt at fagpersonen Martinez skinte gjennom.

[Rev. Dr. Val Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceptional read that gives insight into the "why" of suffering and how God uses that suffering to his glory. Very penetrating!

[JEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

We often hear the wonderful accounts of God healing, restoring and helping people overcome huge obstacles, however this book is for those who live day to day with a thorn in the flesh. It is also helpful for anyone who has a loved one in this situation. How to find strength and hope amid suffering is the apt subtitle/tag line of this book.

[Alissa Ellingson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually didn't finish this book, as I found the narrative too tedious. The content good in depth but poor in breadth. The author's definition of a thorn was quite narrow, which thus limited the scope of his analysis and recommendations.