Thorns in the Garden | Jan. 23rd

“ A thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.”

   2 Corinthians 2:17

  Living in the country often means encountering thorns. Whether walking a trail or working in a garden, it is almost certain that you will get pricked. These thorns, big or small, are painful and bothersome, and if left unattended, can cause irritation. While much has been debated about Paul’s thorn, let us simply recognize that he had one, saw it as a messenger from Satan that harassed him, and prayed to have it removed.

  Beloved, all of this unfolded under God’s providence for Paul and his spiritual good. If you are facing difficult situations or people, or if you feel harassed, take time to prayerfully consider God’s purpose in your current struggle.

   The Lord may be at work within you, perhaps even protecting you from something worse than the thorn. We often focus on removing challenges or troublesome people from our lives, but God does not guarantee us a life without difficulty. Wisdom tells us to set boundaries, but if God is working in you through these hardships, seek humility and understanding of His purpose.

  Eventually, Paul recognized that his messenger from Satan was for his good, that when he was weak, God’s grace was sufficient. Do you truly want to discover how sufficient God’s grace can be? The Lord knows exactly what you need and is working all things for the good of your salvation.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight