Plenty of people speculate about what it could have been, but there’s no clear answer. Paul might have preferred it that way. Why? Because the point of the passage isn’t Paul’s thorn—it’s how we respond when God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we hope.
In a nutshell: Prayer for healing is a good thing and is often a source of peace and comfort. So keep praying, even when God doesn’t answer the way you hope.
You’re invited to pray. Ask God for peace, and perhaps healing, too. As you pray, remember to spend time listening. It may be that God wants to encourage you or teach you something new. Maybe this season of pain has a purpose, and only prayer can unlock its potential.
God is present, and He wants connection. He has invited us to approach Him confidently and ask for anything. Sometimes we receive what we ask for. Other times we don’t. But when God doesn’t respond in the way we expect, it’s always an invitation to listen, learn, and experience God’s love in a new way.
Pray: God, thank You for being close and consistent. Please help me to remember You when I feel broken, so I can pray and find peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
For those who don't pray: Thank yourself or whoever has helped you through something critical in your life. Make sure you sit and think of those individuals and focus on leaning on them through hard times as you aren't alone.