THORNS AND ALL
Do not let your weakness stop you from living according to God's purpose.
5/25/20263 min read
THORNS AND ALL
2nd Corinthians 12:7-9 (NKJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul went to the Lord about the thorn in his side three times. God said: My grace is sufficient. He essentially said: My grace is enough to cover any and every imperfection that you have. Your thorn is not a hindrance. It will not stop me from using you. Your imperfections do not stop me from loving you. I made you, I know you, and I still called you! I want you to live in accordance with my purpose. I have the power to work around, with, or even through, this thorn.
A thorn is a sharp object. It causes pain when it enters the body. It can cause pain as long as it is there. If not managed properly, it can cause other problems as well, depending on how dirty that thorn was when it went in. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) previously recommended a Tetanus booster “shot” every 10 years. It was especially useful for gardeners, who were at risk of getting stuck or scratched by thorns. Whatever was on the thorn could go into the body and cause infection. Tetanus can live in the soil and be on thorns, so a gardener has a risk of developing Tetanus, otherwise known as “Lock-jaw”. If a person’s jaw is locked, you can imagine what may happen eventually. Other bacteria could also be on a thorn. Bacteria can cause growing infections if not managed. Thorns can make us sick and make us toxic.
I have had thorns before, but not in my side, only in my fingers. They are painful, especially if I cannot get them out with tweezers. A thorn reminds you that it is there. You don’t have to constantly think about it; it reminds you when you move a certain way. I don’t have to make unusual movements; just everyday normal movements can cause pain. Sometimes the area is tender even for a short while after the thorn is removed.
So, no wonder Paul had maybe a bit of anguish about his thorn. Even if he tried and forgot about it, the thorn reminded him it was still there waiting to be dealt with. Paul laid hands on the dead, and the dead were brought back to life (Acts 20:9-12), but he could not remove his own thorn. So he goes to God, and God basically says, "Leave it." I will manage it. Nothing toxic will result from this thorn. The same grace that I called you with is sufficient. The same grace that I loved you with in the beginning, that caused your blindness and your sight, that changed you from Saul to Paul; My grace, it is enough. I pour my oil on you, and it is enough. You may still notice this thorn in your side, you may experience some pain from it, because you still have “it”, but I have got YOU! Thorn and all.
Beloved, God has got YOU, thorn and all! Regardless of any past or present faults or failures, God has you in His hands. Pain may be brought on every time you take a step; that thorn may be reminding you of its presence, but God’s grace is sufficient. If you are a blood-washed believer walking according to His word, you are still part of the royal family. God has you covered. Our God operates out of His own abundance and omnipotence. Continue to walk with the Lord according to His purpose. Stay in the word, and stay encouraged, and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen!