When we first moved to Western Washington in 2001 one of the things I was amazed at were the raspberries and blackberries. I was used to the small, wild berries we had back East, but these things were huge! You could fill a bucket in no time and they were everywhere. The problem was, if you weren’t careful the plant’s thorns would tear you to shreds!
Thinking about this, I was reminded of Paul’s complaint in 2 Corinthians 12:7. He said, “So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.”
Paul goes on to say, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’” (v. 8-9)
I don’t know what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was, but I think we all can relate. Each of us has had our own “thorn,” something painful in our lives which tears at our peace of mind, rips at our hopes and dreams, leaving us feeling wounded and torn.
For some the thorn may be a physical impairment, for others a job they hate, but can’t afford to leave. For still others it may be a difficult relationship or financial difficulties. Whatever our “thorn” it is difficult to see it as a blessing, but we must remember we serve a God who “causes everything to work together for the good.”
Our Heavenly Father knows just what we need and sometimes allows thorns and brambles, trials and difficulties, to come into our life, so we can realize our dependence on HIm and that His grace is all we need. It is only when we come to the point of recognizing our utter helplessness without Him that we can be truly victorious.
I don’t know what “thorn in the flesh” you’re dealing with today, but maybe it’s time to stop fighting with God over it. Instead, trust that He knows what’s best and like Paul, “take pleasure in [your] weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that [you] suffer for Christ. For when [you are] weak, then [you are] strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Remember, hidden amongst the thorns is delicious fruit and within each trial God hides a blessing. Today, stop worrying about the brambles and seek the fruit!