The ‘Thorn’ Comes to Kill the Flesh

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

(2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Most have experienced the piercing of a thorn. No matter where it enters into the body it elicits a response: retraction away from the insult; looking at, and reaching to feel the site of entrance; vocal confirmation of discomfort. When a 'thorn' comes, it gets your attention. From a spiritual perspective, let it do it's work. We must understand, the Lord revealed to Paul that His grace is sufficient. The will of man is capable of transgression, even in an abundance of revelation as Paul had received, and was receiving. No one would leave an actual thorn sticking into their body, but would pull it out. When you recognize a messenger of Satan, the Holy Spirit will empower to 'most gladly' overcome.