"To keep me from becoming conceited...there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
Thorns hurt. They are alien, unnatural objects that when stuck in our flesh demand our attention until they are removed. In the above verse, Paul is not referencing a thorn that comes from a plant, but rather the paralyzing, pummeling, and painful thorns we encounter in life -- crumbling marriages, chronic illness, financial devastation, anxiety, shame over past failures, persistent doubt, or grief that just won't fade.
Jesus also pleaded with His Father three times in the Garden that His thorn, His future suffering, would be taken from Him. Sometime during that conversation with God, Jesus became content with the thorn the Father had given Him, because in John 18:11, Jesus says to a combative Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
How was Jesus finally able to be content with what was about to happen? Remember that the thorn itself does not come from God. In the above verse, satan was the messenger and his purpose was to torment Paul. However, nothing can happen to us without God knowing it, and "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" Romans 8:28).
Do you believe that, dear friends? Whether your trial has come early in your life, late in your life, or will last the rest of your life, God is intending to use this trial in your life, or He would not have allowed it. It will hurt. But you will be changed by it, if you allow Him to walk beside you and make you more like Himself. He wants us to rely on His grace and provision as we persevere.
He understands your thorns. Remember His crown.
Lord, I present my thorn to You. Thank you for walking beside me in this trial and promising that you always work for good. Help me to trust You completely as You make me more like you. Amen.
Molly, your writing reminds me that when I was exactly your age, I started a journal that I thought might be a book someday (before the ease of blogging!) It was called, Talk to me, Lord, and was a series of prayer/conversations about life - I am struck by how similarly you and I approach things - your reflections are helping me think about how I have changed in my prayer life over the years, as well as what has never changed. I feel strongly connected to you through your work! And especially at this time of year, when I can't help but think of the unwelcome illness that caused us all to hae to lose Susie too soon. I love you!
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me have a lump in my throat. I am not, by any means, saying it is a bad post. But more of a reminder that in my daily struggle to know that this 'thorn' is to be seen as something God will use for good. Thank you for your post!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for your thorn, M.O.M. I know the pain is deep, but I do fully believe God will use it for good in your life and the lives around you. I'm always up for talking if you ever want to get together, too. Love you, friend.
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