The Thorns in Our Flesh: Turning “I Can’t” into “God Can”

Everyone has their own limitations, their own “can’ts.”

I once knew a talented banker who, as a teenager, suffered a diving accident that left him in a wheelchair. He could no longer walk.

We often associate the term “disability” with physical challenges, but the truth is, that everyone has their own limitations.

Theodore Roosevelt understood this concept well.

We remember Roosevelt as a strong and energetic president, the man who hunted wild game, led troops in battle, and explored the great outdoors.

But he wasn’t always that way.

As a boy, Roosevelt struggled with asthma, which prevented him from engaging in typical childhood activities. Instead, he turned to books and nature, becoming a skilled naturalist at a young age.

His father encouraged him to overcome his illness through exercise and hard work. Roosevelt managed to strengthen his breathing

But, life had more challenges in store for him. As a young man, he experienced the devastating loss of his beloved mother and wife on the same day.

In the face of such tragedy, it would have been easy for Roosevelt to give up on life. But instead, he chose to re-engage with the world. He sought solace in the Dakotas, finding purpose and building his resilience.

The image we have of Roosevelt is that of a man who emerged from weakness to strength.

How do you respond to your own “can’ts” in life? Do you give up, push harder, or become frustrated and bitter?

Roosevelt was not the only one to face overwhelming challenges. The apostle Paul also experienced his own difficulties.

While we don’t know the exact nature of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” it was something that reminded him of his limitations. Some speculate that it could have been the after-effects of malaria, affecting his eyesight or causing seizures.

But regardless of the specifics, Paul recognized his limitations and it humbled him. He understood that life is not about our own abilities, but also about God’s grace.

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.” (2 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)

When a person sees he cannot do everything, it is beneficial. The thorn deflated the swelled head of a man used to accomplishment on his own terms.

Paul prayed for relief, but instead, he received a revelation. God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

But he learned (as we all must) that we don’t live life by our abilities but due to God’s grace.

Through his struggles, Paul discovered that he didn’t have to bear life’s burdens alone. In his “can’ts,” he found that God can.

So where do you encounter your own “can’ts”? In those moments, remember two things that we can learn from Paul’s experience.

First, do what you can. Because there are things you can’t do, it doesn’t excuse you from doing what you can. Paul accomplished many things despite his pain – he traveled, mentored others, and wrote a dozen New Testament letters. Difficulties may redirect us, but they shouldn’t stop us completely.

Second, let God do what you can’t. We can only imagine what Paul would have been like without his thorn, but his new life after encountering God speaks volumes. He realized that true change comes from God, not from our own efforts. This applies to all.

In all your “can’ts,” remember that God can. When life weighs you down, He will come and support you. When you feel weak, His strength is greater. Let His grace be sufficient for you as well.