ing down. After a rigorous life of travel and
leadership, heartbreak and triumph, the
aged William Booth, Founder of The Salva-
possible solution was high risk surgery that if it failed,
would leave him totally blind. But thinking that this
was no time to retreat or retire, the aged warrior sub-
mitted to the procedure. It failed. He was blind.
shares the touching scene:
"'Well, General, I
contemplate that.'
never see your face
again?'
veteran's hand crept along
the counterpane to take
hold of his son's, and holding it said very calmly, `God
must know best!' and after another pause, `Bramwell,
I have done what I could for God and for the people
with my eyes. Now I shall do what I can for God and
for the people without my eyes.'"
also struggled with something so painful and so personal
that in speaking of it he chose to cloak it as a "thorn
in the flesh." The words he used help us understand
what torment this was.
from a simple splinter to a large stake, such as was
used in crucifixion. Given the context, Paul was not
referring to an annoying splinter but something that
would not go away. He could not get used to it. The
throbbing was sharp and it was unending.
Some think that the thorn was some enemy that
dogged Paul, or perhaps a family member who made
his life miserable. Others think it was a physical ail-
ment, especially centering on his eyesight or a recur-
ring disease like malaria. Still others think it might
have been a secret disappointment that woke him at
moments. Like Moses denied entry into the
solution but could not reach it.
impatient with a body
or a disease is part of
control. And so, he who had
he would find relief. He prayed. And he prayed. And he
prayed again.
answer is in the perfect tense, "indicating that the de-
cision continues to stand" (Beacon Bible Commentary).
Being in the will of God, being filled by His Spirit does
not mean that we will not have to endure great suf-
fering. We are human beings in human bodies that
are subject to genetic disease, aging, injury. Being
a Christian does not allow us to put on a cape like
Superman, jet across the skies and laugh as bullets
bounce off our chests. We hurt, we grow feeble and we
eventually die.