We all face challenges in life. Sometimes, it seems that we face the same mountain over and over again. Do you feel like that? Is there something challenging you, making you feel like you can’t get over it? I believe we can all relate to that. The apostle Paul had his particular challenge, as well. He referred to it as a ‘thorn’ in II Corinthians 12:7. As you reflect on that, what is your thorn?
A thorn is something that challenges us or humbles us. It is something that we can’t change or get around. God will often allow those thorns in our life to humble us and show us that we are dependent on Him. Without these thorns in our life, we would likely stray and assume the position of god of our life.
God knows what we need.
Though we tend to resist any pain or ‘thorn’, God may very well be using the discomfort to save us. Consider how you would be if you lacked any discomfort in life. Those discomforts and challenges, tend to shape us and grow us in compassion and relatability.
Think about the people that you enjoy spending time with most. Is it the people who seemingly have it all together, or is the people that you can relate to? Most of us are encouraged by sharing similar experiences. Our connections are often strengthened by our shared experiences and challenges.
The sharing of our life will require humility. So, as you consider your thorn, approach it with humility. Remember that God desires humility. Keep in mind that we all are facing something. No one is perfect and no one has a perfect life. This must be our mindset.
As we adjust our mindset and consider our thorn, may we grow in seeing the benefit.
May we see how God is using that thorn to perfect us, mature us, and conform us to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are not in control of the method that God uses to grow us. We just have to trust Him and consider how He may be using the thorn for our good.
He promises to work all things for our good [Romans 8:28]. Understanding this, will allow us to view our thorns in a new light. Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” May we ask “God, what are you teaching me through this?”
As we do, may God grant us the understanding and discernment to see the good that those ‘thorns’ bring to our lives. May God’s Word in II Corinthians 12:9-10 encourage us:
“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.”
