The Thorn In The Flesh: Hope for all who struggle with impossible conditions

by R.T. Kendall

What happens when the pain just won't go away?
Do you want the prickly, uncomfortable thorn in your flesh to go away?

R.T. Kendall wants you to know that God gives you thorns for your benefit.  Most people think of this discomfort as a physical pain, but Kendall explains how God gets your attention through loneliness, a handicap or disability, an enemy, an unhappy marriage, personality problem, and more.

Kendall helps you understand how God's grace is sufficient as he answers questions
•What are the advantages to loneliness? •Why does God use an enemy to refine you? •How can a handicap or disability offer you the most dazzling reward in heaven? •What did Abraham and Moses learn from experiencing unhappy living conditions?Believe that your thorn in the flesh is for your good, and that it is the best thing that will ever happen to you-next to your conversion and anointing.  It is time for believers to accept that God has allowed life’s splinters for a victorious purpose of humility and not taking life too seriously. Denial and repression will not change a thing, but knowing and recognizing God’s love will impact lives and turn negative attitudes into positive rewards.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living

251 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it changed how I view my thorns in the flesh. Perspective makes all the difference. Thankful.

[Shane Ryan Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant little book. I had felt led by the Spirit to read it and now I see why. After reading this book, I now see that certain painful, perplexing situations in my life are most likely thorns in the flesh ordained by God. R.T. Kendall covers the most common thorn (illness) but also proposes a number of others not commonly considered: being stuck in an unwanted career or ministry, an unhappy marriage, insecurities about one's own sexuality, financial struggles, difficult living situations. The chapter on unhappy marriages contains the best Christian writing on marriage I've ever read. There is very wise Biblical guidance here and throughout the book. Worth reading!

[Ray Hansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have this called a "thorn in the flesh" in order for us to humble ourselves before God. For us to be reminded that He is sovereign and knows what is the best for us since He's the creator of the universe.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relatable explanation.

A deep expansion of the thorn in the flesh puzzle with relatable examples. Thanks for a bible based well flowing book.

[Thomas Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it as it was so encouraging around this topic and helps us to see that our pain is momentary compared to our glory with Christ.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have heartaches and trials in life - they make us fold over and hide or make us stronger. If you have any challenges in life - read, study this book. God has a way of working in us, that gives us strength no matter the challenge. It can be so small you don't even really recognize it - but it can be something just "annoying" an itch or a "bug bite" - but not taking care of it early it can fester. Even if you read just one chapter ...or maybe two (Chapter 1 and the "problem or "your thorn" chapter) I think you will begin to see the bigger picture of God and His Works.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an eye opener, a heart mover, and well it certainly has my attention.

[Tim Tuttle · Rating 3 out of 5]

'... to keep me from being conceited..." 2 Corinthians 12:7