“Because of these surpassingly great revelations, lest I should be exalted above measure, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a (ἄγγελος) (angel, messenger) of Satan to buffet (κολαφίζῃ) me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7) Others might read something else into this verse, but given that God blessed Paul with great revelations points to a good God — one who blesses — not one who brings sickness and affliction because we receive a revelation. Instead, they will become SNARES and TRAPS for you, whips on your backs and THORNS IN YOUR EYES.” (Joshua 23:13) “I have also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; they will become traps for you, and their gods will become snares to you.’” (Judges 2:3) Jesus warns: “In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world (John 16:33).” Jesus does not say, “You will be blessed by my Father and then be given affliction to keep you humble.” A God who blesses with the right hand and slaps us down with the left would be defined by today’s standards as an abusive father.…