OUCH!!!!
by Cynthia Jennings on June 5, 2019OUCH!!!!
Why won’t this thing just go away??? So, you have a thorn too? Well we are in good company. The Apostle Paul was plagued with a thorn as well. When we think about a thorn it’s not a pleasant thought and it’s something we want to get rid of rather quickly, as did Paul when he sought The Lord concerning his thorn. A thorn whether visible or invisible is a reminder that something happened to us. From this point on I don’t want you to view your thorn as something negative, but as a symbol of how important it is to stay connected to The Vine (John 15). In staying connected to The Vine you will acquire the tools necessary (without the thorn being removed) to equip you to be an agent of Jesus’ will through prayers and purpose that glorify God.
We all know that a thorn can not only be painful but it is also a nuisance, because it seems to flare up at the least convenient time. However painful and nuisance the thorn is, it does not negate Gods healing. It is just a sign of your endurance, faith, perseverance and trust through the grace and mercy of God The Father.
You see, we are oftentimes agitated and eager to find out the “why” of the thorn as well as in such a hurry to have that painful nuisance of a thorn be removed. But you know what I learned through all of my questions (some of which I’m still waiting on an answer from God...lol), and all of my woe is me moments due to the thorn. That painful nuisance thorn is attached to my purpose. I also learned knowing the definitive “why” of the thorn was not initially meant for me to know. What I came to realize and understand, the not knowing was a part of Gods purpose for my life. Had I known the “why” of my thorns, the assignments God has given me my flesh would want to take all the credit for them. So, I no longer complain about the thorn. I smile to myself and thank God for the thorn!
I am grateful for my thorn(s)! Yes, they sometimes get the best of me (my flesh). But it is the guidance of The Holy Spirit that showed me how to take pleasure in infirmities, not for my sake but for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, He is strong!
PEARLStoPONDER: No matter how painful and annoying the thorn is, remember God has a purpose for that pain!
2 Corinthians 12:8-10-- For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 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. 10 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.
John 15—Read entire chapter
Why won’t this thing just go away??? So, you have a thorn too? Well we are in good company. The Apostle Paul was plagued with a thorn as well. When we think about a thorn it’s not a pleasant thought and it’s something we want to get rid of rather quickly, as did Paul when he sought The Lord concerning his thorn. A thorn whether visible or invisible is a reminder that something happened to us. From this point on I don’t want you to view your thorn as something negative, but as a symbol of how important it is to stay connected to The Vine (John 15). In staying connected to The Vine you will acquire the tools necessary (without the thorn being removed) to equip you to be an agent of Jesus’ will through prayers and purpose that glorify God.
We all know that a thorn can not only be painful but it is also a nuisance, because it seems to flare up at the least convenient time. However painful and nuisance the thorn is, it does not negate Gods healing. It is just a sign of your endurance, faith, perseverance and trust through the grace and mercy of God The Father.
You see, we are oftentimes agitated and eager to find out the “why” of the thorn as well as in such a hurry to have that painful nuisance of a thorn be removed. But you know what I learned through all of my questions (some of which I’m still waiting on an answer from God...lol), and all of my woe is me moments due to the thorn. That painful nuisance thorn is attached to my purpose. I also learned knowing the definitive “why” of the thorn was not initially meant for me to know. What I came to realize and understand, the not knowing was a part of Gods purpose for my life. Had I known the “why” of my thorns, the assignments God has given me my flesh would want to take all the credit for them. So, I no longer complain about the thorn. I smile to myself and thank God for the thorn!
I am grateful for my thorn(s)! Yes, they sometimes get the best of me (my flesh). But it is the guidance of The Holy Spirit that showed me how to take pleasure in infirmities, not for my sake but for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, He is strong!
PEARLStoPONDER: No matter how painful and annoying the thorn is, remember God has a purpose for that pain!
2 Corinthians 12:8-10-- For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 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. 10 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.
John 15—Read entire chapter
