Thorny Things

“or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV

I was reading today, in one of my devotionals about Jacob. How he wrestled with God until his hip was permanently popped out of joint causing a limp and very likely ongoing pain. I like what the author of this devotional said about his weakness. It was a permanent reminder of his need for God and that his strength was in his limp. 

“Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”” Genesis 32:28 NIV

Paul also talks about a thorn in his flesh that was a reminder of his need for God and the constant struggle against satan. We all struggle and we all have things that are a thorn for us. Something that we can't seem to overcome and go back to God with over and over again. That one weakness that satan likes to exploit because if we aren't armed for battle it can pull is right into the pit. 

It's so easy to see the thorn or sin in someone else but so hard to see it in ourselves. I think the best part of both Jacob and Paul and their willingness to acknowledge the weakness is 

God was always before them. When we dig into our hearts and uncover the thing or things that truly trip us up then we can give it to God and He can use it to grow us closer to Him. The more we try to hide it or act like it doesn't exist the farther away it drives us from Him. 

Don't be afraid to let God show you the thorns. The thorny things can become the beautiful things that God can use to reach others and to mold you into His image so He gets all the glory. 

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV