Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. - 2 Corinthians 12:7

Bible scholars disagree as to what Paul's thorn was. Some think it may have been poor eyesight, but Paul was struck blind on the road to Damascus and then Jesus healed his eyesight through the laying on of hands by a very brave Christian named Ananias. When Jesus heals someone he does not do so with half measures, so NOT Paul's eyesight. Others think it is a speech impediment but with how often Paul speaks publicly for the gospel and with the important people he speaks to, like Governor Felix, I think if he had a speech impediment it would have been mentioned. Others, even some translations of the Bible say that it was a physical challenge, but the original doesn't actually tell us. Why?

Only Paul mentions this 'thorn' and the fact that he does not say specifically what it is I think means it is something he is embarrassed or ashamed to admit. The word Paul used indicates a stake rather than a small thorn, he goes as far as calling it, 'a demonic messenger of Satan sent to torment him'. I believe he seriously struggled with a particular "sin". But it kept him humble, it helped him realize that he was was a sinner, it kept him from drowning in self-righteous pride. So when Paul repeatedly prayed to be relieved of this "thorn", Jesus answered....

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

I do not believe that the "thorn" was a physical condition. I believe that like all of us, Paul was struggling with a particular "sin" or bad habit, 'a weakness in his character'. We do not require God's grace for a physical ailment, we require Jesus healing. We require Grace for a "sin" or "iniquity", a bad habit, 'a temptation from Satan', we can not seem to break. It was Paul who wrote, as a Christian already:

I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate.- Romans 7:15

Jesus refused to instantly remove it and instead made Paul work everyday to stay in Jesus presence so it could be conquered and controlled. Paul had to stay in the Holy Spirit to overcome it. Paul staying so much in prayer, in the presence of our Lord, gained him victory over his "thorn" and brought him revelation.

Each of us will struggle with something or someone. Is there are person in your life you would describe as a "thorn in your side"? Do you have a 'thorny' relationship with someone that 'pushes all your buttons', or a serious "sin" craving, both require extra patience, grace, love and prayer. That's why Peter writes:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 3:18