Paul spoke about this thorn in his flesh a messenger of satan to torment him. This was to keep him from being conceited. Three times he pleaded with the Lord to take it away from him. But the Lord said to him, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

First of all Paul you’re giving satan to much attention (credit), the Lord’s got your back. That fear of your past that keeps hunting you is your thorn. Every where you go especially among the disciples of Jesus and the believers of Christ that you prosecuted is a reminder of who you use to be. But in Christ you became a new person. You cannot be who you are now without the Lord which is your guide and strength. Your flesh is weak, but the spirit willing ( stronger) now that you’ve seen the light. You can’t be prideful when it’s now all about the truth revealed to you, “Jesus and servitude.”

The devil will always try to convince you that you’re still blind when God has given you sight or you’re still in bondage when the Lord has set you free. Why would you want the Lord to remove the thorn from you Paul? Jacob wrestle with God until he was left limping as an result, a reminder of his struggle with God and man, Genesis 32:22-32. Jacob was willing to face what he had to no matter the consequences.

Paul had to remain weak because some people having strength make them believe they are invincible and can do any and everything without God. Paul who was Saul persecuting Christians was being strengthen in his own will, not that of the Lord’s.