I never realised the text does not specifically say God gave a thorn and this is viewed many ways by many people. We assume it was God or at very least I am happy that God permitted it as an answer.
To assume it was God would be to think God did, regardless of what the text says. If we say the text implies it was God would be saying the text wants us to believe that. I think neither is true; instead, we are left with some measure of tension.
It may be that Satan sent this messenger to torment him, but God chose not to remove it, as it was 'working for the good' - to humble Paul and keep his ministry dependent on God. A case of Satan's purposes backfiring once again!
I never realised the text does not specifically say God gave a thorn and this is viewed many ways by many people. We assume it was God or at very least I am happy that God permitted it as an answer.
To assume it was God would be to think God did, regardless of what the text says. If we say the text implies it was God would be saying the text wants us to believe that. I think neither is true; instead, we are left with some measure of tension.
It may be that Satan sent this messenger to torment him, but God chose not to remove it, as it was 'working for the good' - to humble Paul and keep his ministry dependent on God. A case of Satan's purposes backfiring once again!
This is good and many believers live with a poverty mentality when they have God as Father and He is all sufficient. Thanks Steve.
Yes, a poverty mentality is to deny God's capacity and provision, and if we deny that, we are left with our own!