By Lisa Wilmore
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. (2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV)
Dear Hearts,
Have you desperately needed something from God, and year after year, the answer does not come, or the answer is blatantly “not yet” or “no”? Sometimes your desperation is not enough for God to answer you in the way that you desire. God is all-knowing and knows what is best for us. When we trust an all-wise God, we must be willing to accept what He is doing in our lives, and sometimes that is leaving an “undesired thorn in your side.”
What do we do when God leaves this undesired thorn or problem in our lives? Well, Paul gives a much-needed answer which can be found in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. Paul prayed and asked God to remove an undesired thorn from his side, but God would not. Instead, Jesus replied that “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:7- 9). Even though God did not remove Paul’s thorn, Paul knew that God loved him and would always do what was best for him. Because Paul had a close walk with God, he knew God would always have his best interest at heart.
Sometimes, the human nature that we have may not want to accept that “it is what it is,” but when we realize and accept what Scripture says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (KJV),” we will come to a clear understanding that God knows best.
Interestingly, there are times when thorns begin to pierce your side, and they hurt. Would you agree? Paul explains that although he had much that he could boast about, he chose not to draw attention to himself. In fact, God allowed a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble. Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to remove it, but God reminded him that His grace was enough and that His power is revealed most fully in our weakness. Paul, therefore, learned to embrace his weaknesses because they had become places where Christ’s strength could be seen. Paul declares, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV).
As we pray today, let us personally rest in the faithfulness of God. There may be things we are carrying that we wish He would remove, change, or make easier. Yet, even when we do not understand His plan, we can trust His heart. God knows exactly what we need, and He will provide what is best for us in His perfect timing.
Let us pray:
Lord, we needed to hear this today. Thank You for Your grace in undesired thorns. May they continue to keep us humble and strengthen us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
