Skip to main content

These Thorns Keep Poking Me


If you've ever been pricked by a thorn from a rosebush, you know how uncomfortable it can be. It might cause redness, bleeding, or swelling, leaving you irritated. Ouch!

Just like the rosebush, no matter how beautiful, life comes with thorns that can poke and make things more challenging. These thorns might appear as difficult people, tough situations, or uncomfortable obstacles meant to distract you. As blessings flow, so do distractions. A songwriter once said, "These thorns in my flesh keep hindering me," begging God to remove the things that weigh them down.

However, thorns are not just distractions; they are opportunities for growth. Recognize them for what they are, and embrace how God can use them to deepen your trust in Him. So, what thorny challenges are you facing? Is it at home, at work, or in a relationship? Maybe a colleague is testing your patience or making life difficult.

Despite the discomfort, God uses these thorny moments to keep us humble and reliant on His strength. These thorns are blessings in disguise, even when they bring pain. Without them, we wouldn’t fully experience that God’s grace is enough and that His "power is made perfect in weakness."

Affirm this: "I welcome life's challenges with strength and faith, knowing that even in moments of difficulty, I am growing, and God's grace is always enough for me."

Mindful Moment of Reflection:

What "thorns" in your life are challenging you right now, and how might God be using them to deepen your dependence on His grace and strength?

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the blessings and revelations You pour into my life. Like Paul, I know that the thorns I face are there to remind me of my need for You. Help me to see the challenges, discomforts, and struggles not as obstacles, but as opportunities to lean on Your grace. When I am weak, may I find strength in Your power, knowing that Your grace is sufficient and Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Keep me humble, dependent on You, and always trusting in Your plan. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

.

Comments

  1. Thanks for the encouragement because sometimes I have to be reminded of the great who I am and his name is Jesus Hallelujah Hallelujah 🙌🏾

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

D.e.s.s.e.r.t.s...

D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S spelled backwards is S.T.R.E.S.S.E.D WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT? Someone very dear to me caught my attention as we were having a conversation recently. She told me, "I'm going home, get in my bed, and eat this bag of cookies." She went on to tell me that lately all she does is eat sweets; it makes her feel better. When I questioned why she was eating so much she said, "Stress! My job is stressing me out. These crazy children are stressing me out. I just want to get in my bed, eat my sweets, and not be bothered by anyone." I was immediately reminded of the word D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S.  She used desserts to help ease her stressed situation. The dictionary defines stress as physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. At some point in our lives, we will all deal with stress.  It can take a toll on us in various ways. Stress can cause us to do things we normally would not do. It can cause us to shut down completely. Th...

The Light You Carry: Don’t Dim It!

We are placed in the world to shine brightly, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. There is so much evil and negativity in the world that if not careful, its easy to be pulled into situations and ways of thinking that could dim your light. Whether it's fear of judgment, the pressures of fitting in, or the weight of discouragement, we can sometimes be tempted to hide our faith or downplay our convictions. A light that's covered loses its purpose. Have you ever been driving at night and forgotten to turn on your headlights? Other drivers may flash theirs to alert you, reminding you that you're putting yourself and others at risk. It's like being in a dark room, searching for something, but refusing to turn on the light. Or worse, having a lamp with a weak 40-watt bulb that’s just dim enough to be frustrating when you need to focus on a project or read. It works, but not well enough to be helpful. Similarly, our own light, no matter how small it may seem, can mak...