Gift of the Thorn: God’s Purpose in Our Pain Is Perfect

SERIES:

Have you ever asked God to remove a trial from your life, only to discover He left it there on purpose? In 2 Corinthians 12:7–8, the Apostle Paul speaks candidly about a “thorn in the flesh” that brought him deep struggle. Three times he pleaded with the Lord to take it away, yet the thorn remained. What Paul came to understand, and what we must learn as well, is that sometimes the very things we want removed are the very things God is using to shape us.

This Sunday, in a message titled “The Gift of the Thorn: God’s Purpose in Our Pain Is Perfect,” we will consider how God works through suffering to deepen our dependence on Him, guard us from pride, and direct our hearts toward His purposes. Trials are never meaningless. Even when they feel overwhelming, they can be the means by which God does His most lasting work in us.

Following our second service, we invite you to join us at 27th Park for a very special time in the life of our church—baptism. Over fifteen people will be taking this important step of obedience, publicly declaring the salvation they have received in Christ. Baptism does not save, but it is a powerful testimony of a life already transformed by the gospel. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to gather as a church family to rejoice together in the work God is doing among us.

In Christ,
Khalil Ayoub