I Am Suffering a Thorn
Do you ever wonder why roses have thorns? Why such a beautiful flower would be covered by sharp, prickly surprises on their stem? Scientists believe that thorns on roses have a distinct purpose. These flowers are very aromatic and even sweet to the taste. Creatures of all sizes are attracted to these plants because of their aroma and tasty sweetness. Thorns reside on a rose’s stem to protect it from eventual destruction. Interesting that something so painful could bring protection.
In the New Testament, Paul spoke of his own thorn in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, “So that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” Paul’s thorn kept him humble to keep him from glorifying himself instead of God. Most theologians believe this thorn was vision impairment. Paul pleaded with the Lord to take it away, but instead the Lord provided something better – His Grace. With God’s Grace, Paul’s weakness made him stronger as He depended on the power of Christ living in him. His thorn may not have been for protection, but Paul recognized why, after pleading for it to be taken away, it remained.
You may wonder, “Do I suffer from a thorn?” You may not have a physical ailment, but you may suffer from a thorn that keeps you dependent on Christ and is ever-present. It might be the tragic loss of a loved one causing you daily suffering. It could be a financial strain due to reasons beyond your control. Whatever it may be, you may have prayed for God to remove it, and, yet, it still remains. To clarify, though, what a thorn isn’t – the consequence of sin. If you are suffering due to the consequences of sin in your life, that isn’t a thorn. You must confess your sin and pray for God’s forgiving mercy and grace as He walks you through your repentance to restoration.
Living daily with a thorn can keep us from being brave. But, we must remember that God’s Grace is sufficient. No matter the thorn, His Strength is perfect and through our sufferings, He will be glorified. Paul said it this way in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
In all circumstances. Be content. That includes when you are celebrating on the mountaintop or walking through the valley. That contentment can come even when you are suffering from a thorn. Let God’s Grace sustain you and His Strength empower you to live for His Glory as a testimony to how He has chosen to work in your life.
This is a recap of Week Two from the Angela Thomas’ Bible study, Brave. The women of NAOBC recently completed this study and recaps from each of the six weeks will be posted.
