College football coach Jerry Kill’s battle with epilepsy has been well documented. While successfully leading the University of Minnesota, in 2013, Kill suffered a seizure during a game for the fourth time in two years. He was rushed to the hospital at halftime while his assistants took over. He later told ESPN that he had suffered 20 seizures in the past two years. Eventually, he lost the battle with epilepsy and retired from coaching on the field.

Vicki Kopplin, executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, said Kill’s fight drew more attention to epilepsy than anything else in her years with the organization. His retirement, she said, doesn’t conflict with the message his success sent. It shows that someone with epilepsy can succeed at the highest level—but always will have a very real fight.”

2 Corinthians 12 – The Blessing of a Thorn

Not every coach or athlete has a “thorn in the flesh” like Jerry Kill, but many will battle some physical, spiritual, or emotional affliction. The term “thorn in the flesh” comes from Paul’s torment in 2 Corinthians 12:7. Since he didn’t mean a literal thorn, many have offered possible explanations. Some think it might have been migraines, a chronic eye problem, or even epilepsy, like Coach Kill. While we can’t be sure what he meant, we can be sure it was a source of real pain in the apostle’s life.

God likely allowed Paul to suffer from his pain so he could glorify God even more. God gave him more grace and strength as Paul learned that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (v 9).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe whatever their “thorn in the flesh” might be, God has a purpose and that His grace is all-sufficient. They are also confident that suffering is a tool God uses for building godly character (Romans 5:1:5).