Some people claim to have lost faith in God because he did not answer their fervent prayers for healing. Pablo Martinez, Christian psychiatrist and Bible teacher, reveals how prolonged suffering can instead enhance a relationship with God as the sufferer learns to stop futile (though not purposeful) fighting and discovers 'the supernatural antidote of grace'. Godly grace gradually enables those undergoing the sorest trials to display patient acceptance – 'the best “sermon” that we can never preach.'

Pablo openly tells of his own protracted, distressing eye disease and intermittent surgery. The 'thorn' of his title refers to anything similarly painful, limiting, humiliating and prolonged. He illustrates how God can provide a way out by helping the sufferer to look for and then accept his perspective on the problem. With prayerful support, reflecting on biblical examples, especially that of the Lord Jesus Christ himself, will in time take us beyond the suffering to find what it can achieve. Pablo's own painful journey has through God's grace produced a pearl. This book will enrich sufferers and carers alike.