2 Corinthians 12

Though Paul acknowledges a special vision or spiritual experience he had where he humbly confessed -

"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 12:2 - 4)

Which verifies that there are three degrees of glory...celestial glory being that of the "third heaven".  Even with this confession, Paul comes back to his present mortal life writing -

"Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 12:5 - 8)

Paul acknowledges that he himself has certain weaknesses that to him are "a thorn in the flesh".  Which in my mind, suggests that we all have varying weaknesses or thorns in our flesh.  Nephi, one of the most righteous prophets we know confessed -

"Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:17 - 19)

Sounds much like Paul.  Paul then explains that the Savior -

"...said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10)

Obviously, our "thorns" are given to cause us to be humble, that we may be made strong.  Moroni wrote much the same thing, writing of the Savior -

"...I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:27)

As we ponder our personal thorns, these words give us better understanding.  I was also touched by Paul's admonition -

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you..."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 13:5)