Thorns

Recently I was out checking the fence and found a section the cows had broken. Unfortunately, there was a mesquite tree growing right in the fence line that would need to be removed for me to make the needed repairs. When I cut the tree down and was pulling it out of the way of the fence, a mesquite branch caught me in the shoulder and a thorn went partially in my arm. I was able to pull the thorn out and finish the fence repair. As I was resting and reflecting on the day’s events, it reminded me of how in the bible God uses thorns. In 2 Corinthians 12: 7 Paul besought the Lord three times for the thorn to be removed from his flesh. I imagine the conversation at the time being like one I would have.  “God, this thorn is a real pain and needs to come out now! God: why do you want the thorn in your flesh removed? So, I can carry out the work and ministry you have given me." God: "Why do you want to carry out the work and ministry I have given you?"  So, I can spread the good news of Jesus to others. God: " Why do you want to spread the good news? So that everyone will see that Your grace and love is sufficient." God: " That will require a thorn in your flesh." I don't know or pretend to know what Paul's thorn was. What I do know is that he pleaded with God three times to take it away, but God did not take it away. Instead, God gave Paul the grace to continue in ministry and to do the work that God had commissioned him to do. This enabled God's glory to shine through the work that Paul did. God was able to supply His perfect strength to balance the weakness that Paul suffered from. What an amazing example Paul is for us! When Paul was weak, God stepped in to supply His strength. When we are weak, God is strong. We are all like Paul. We all have weaknesses. The lesson that we can learn from 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, is to recognize our weakness and ask God to supply His strength for whatever task lies before us. God's grace is sufficient for us. I have come to know and understand that sometimes God will remove the painful thorn, but at other times He doesn't. But take courage from these scripture verses. God has promised us in Romans 8:28,   "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  In closing, God has a good plan for our life and if we trust in Jesus and have been saved by grace through faith, God gives us the same promises that He gave Paul. As we surrender everything that concerns us to God, we can expect Him to supply His strength because that is the exact promise that He has given to us in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. When you are weak then He is strong. Make it a great day for yourself and someone else as we live t love and share Jesus with others. measure.

2 Corinthians 12: 8-10

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he 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.

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.