“Life’s Imbedded Thorns”
You think you have problems, listen to the Apostle Paul’s list: He was imprisoned frequently, stoned ruthlessly, flogged repeatedly, and shipwrecked tragically. He lived always on the edge: “in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.” This sounds more like the script from an Indiana Jones movie than the life-story of an itinerant gospel preacher!
Unfortunately, many of us expect the Christian life to be a picnic with a few minor irritations like flies in the potato salad or a few bug bites -- we don’t expect a hungry lion lurking in the bushes. But Paul’s life reminds us that life is a battle against an Enemy who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Paul was nearly devoured by his “thorn in the flesh.” When he first received the thorn (a physical ailment?), he called it a “messenger of Satan.” But by the time the thorn had worked its way deep into Paul’s soul, it was something he would “boast” about because it taught him that God’s “grace is sufficient,” that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness.” (II Cor.12:7-10) Why won’t God heal a broken relationship with my sibling? remove my financial struggles? restore my child’s health? Not all of my problems are designed to be wholly solved. These thorny problems remain to keep me humble, dependent on God’s power.
God answered Paul’s prayer for relief from suffering with a resounding “NO!” What was Paul’s agenda? He wanted the thorn promptly removed. What was God’s agenda? To leave it firmly imbedded. He leaves painful barbs in our lives to remind us that life is too much, that we are too weak, that our problems are too overwhelming--if we don’t rely on Him.
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I have had the privealege to travel overseas several times to nations that are struggling in many ways, when surrounded by the saints in those situations I am reminded of what "troubles" mean to someone in my shoes compared to their journey. Paul's difficulties are a reminder of perspective and balance along the journey.
I certainly don't desire nor relish an imbedded thorn, yet, knowing that one's mettle is best tested in trying circumstances it forces me to wonder about my prayers, hopes and aspirations.
Thanks for the reminder. Flies in the potato salad don't seem to bad at times.
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