Paul shows us how pain doesn’t cancel calling. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10, NLT)
I’ve learned that purpose doesn’t wait for the pain to stop. It walks alongside it. It limps with it. It shows up anyway.
Paul—the same man who wrote most of the New Testament, planted churches, and saw visions of heaven—had something in his life that didn’t go away. He called it a “thorn in the flesh.” We don’t know exactly what it was. A physical condition? A mental struggle? A spiritual torment? What we *do* know is that he pleaded with God—*three times*—for it to be taken away.
And God said no.
But His “no” wasn’t punishment. It was purpose.
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’”
—2 Corinthians 12:9a, NLT
What do you do when the thorn doesn’t go away?
Some of us are waiting to feel strong before we take action. Waiting to get over the heartbreak. Waiting to be past the diagnosis. Waiting for complete clarity. But Paul shows us something different—he didn’t stop preaching, traveling, writing, or mentoring. The thorn didn’t silence his voice or sideline his calling.
He kept walking. Maybe limping. But still walking.
Because God’s strength shines through the cracks—not in spite of them.
This encourages me. Because I’ve had thorns too. Personal ones. Pain that lingered longer than I wanted. Nights that didn’t end with simple answers. But I’ve also seen how God used me anyway. How grace became more than just a church word—it became the strength I needed to show up even when I felt broken.
“So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9b, NLT
You may have a thorn—but you also have a testimony.
Don’t wait to be perfect to walk in purpose. There’s glory in the journey, even when you’re limping. And God—He’s not waiting for you to be flawless. He’s simply waiting for you to take action.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
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Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
