We know in the verse above that Paul is in Heaven, and he’s standing before the throne of God. He was taken up to the “third Heaven” – past the Earth’s atmosphere, the clouds, and the sun, moon, and stars. And Paul asks the Lord three times to remove the thorn from his flesh. He says, “I’ve got this thorn in my flesh, and I want you to deliver me from it. I want you to help me in this area. It’s creating pain; it’s creating heartache; it’s creating all these issues.” God’s response? 

My grace is sufficient for you. 

In other words, it’s possible that some of the “thorns” in life aren’t always removed. But this is encouraging! Because the great Apostle Paul had thorns that weren’t removed! Some thorns can’t be removed by reading your Bible more, by praying more, by being more spiritual. Some thorns are here to stay. But praise God that His grace is sufficient for you! 

Here’s the good news – for the believer, we have forever. God’s kingdom will far outlive us – it’s forever. Meaning, this is as bad as it gets for a Child of God. It only gets better for the believer because we live with a concept of forever, not just what’s happening now. On the other side of the spectrum, if you don’t know Jesus, this is as good as it gets. It only gets worse. 

I want to encourage you today to say a prayer that includes forever. Say a prayer that doesn’t just include the here and now. Instead, tell Him, “God, I want Your kingdom. Whatever I’m living for, I want to keep forever in mind.” Then think about someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Intercede and keep “forever” in mind for them. Pray for them!