The Apostle Paul, who wrote about half the New Testament, talked about those secret frustrations.  You see, God used Paul in a great way, but, as effective as Paul was, he had a secret frustration.  He called it a “thorn in the flesh.” 

Now, scholars love to debate what that thorn actually was.  Some argue it was a physical condition – malaria, migraine headaches, maybe eye problems that left him nearly blind.  Others argue that it was an emotional issue – after all, Paul was constantly persecuted and even some factions in the church were coming against him.  I even heard one scholar argue that maybe Paul had marriage problems. 

Whatever it was, whatever was bothering him, Paul prayed over and over for God to remove it.  One translation of the Bible says he “implored” God to take it away.  That means Paul gave God his best argument.  God, I’ve served You.  God, I’ve done my best.  God, I’ve prayed for others, and they’ve been healed.  God, please heal me.  I’m tired of people treating me wrong.  I’m tired of being sick.  I’m tired of being hassled.  I’m tired of these headaches.  God, please take away this thorn in my flesh.

And you would think, wouldn’t you, that if anybody ever had pull with God, it was Paul.  But what’s interesting is that God never removed that thorn. 

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12 that God’s answer to him was: “My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness.”  (2 Corinthians 12: 9)  In other words, “My grace is more than enough for you.  And My power shows up best … when you need it the worst … when you feel the weakest.” 

How about you?  How about your secret frustrations?  Is there something you’ve “implored” God to change – maybe a situation at work, maybe a chronic health problem, maybe a troubled relationship?  You’ve asked God again and again, but nothing’s improved. 

I’m not saying to give up.  What I’m saying is:  If God’s not removing it or changing it, don’t let it steal your joy, don’t let it sour your life.  God has given you the grace to be there. 

The right attitude is, I’m not going to let this frustration, this thorn in my flesh, frustrate me anymore.  God, I know Your goodness and Your grace is more than enough for me.  I have the power to be here with a good attitude.  I believe that at the right time You will change it … but, even if it never does change, I’m still going to be my best and honor You.

You just have to make up your mind about that frustration.  If that issue with your spouse doesn’t change … if your health doesn’t improve … if you have to put up with that grouchy boss for the rest of your life … if you have to struggle with that temptation until the day you die… you’re not going to complain.  You’re going to tap into God’s grace.  You’re going to tap into God’s goodness.  It’s more than enough for you.  That means you absolutely can enjoy your life in spite of those secret frustrations. Don’t let those thorns steal your joy.