Our Thorns

For most, when we think of a thorn, we are reminded of Paul's thorn in the flesh.  2 Corinthians 12:7  "Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me."  There are many theories of what this thorn meant.  When we look further into the scriptures to see other uses of the word, it is typically used to represent something that is an enemy of the children of God.  In several places, thorns mentioned are tied to Satan. Ezekiel 2:6 "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people."  Whatever one might consider a thorn to be, I know one thing for certain, they are painful. 

Thorns keep us humble.  We all have tribulation.  God tells Paul and sometimes us, this thorn in the flesh will not be taken away.  However for Paul - God's grace was enough for him.  John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When the enemies of this world slap us in the face, we must find our peace in God.  For in this world, we won't find peace.  Our reaction to the thorn is to cry out to God.  Please remove it and it's pain!  2 Corinthians 12:8  "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me."  But scriptures remind us God doesn't always remove it.  He doesn't spare us the pain; but makes us conquerors through it...so we might boast in Him not ourselves.  God didn't remove Paul's - but oh the strength He gave Paul to bear it.  2 Corinthians 12:9-10  ^"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

In our afflictions/heart breaks, we have to surrender our own will to the will of God.  God's response to us will always be, "My grace is sufficient." (sound familiar - Gethsemane)  Luke 22:42  " “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  God knows that strength is made perfect in our own weakness.  Yes, the thorns are painful.  It is when the thorns are the deepest, in weakness and hardships, the Lord's strength can be at it's peak.  It is here, we rely solely on Him, rather than on our own strength.  If you're imprisoned in sin, your future seems hopeless, you're sick, physically weak, emotionally drained, hungry or whatever thorn you bear, embrace His perfect power.  For His word is true, in weakness - His power is made perfect.