Roses and Thorns!

My roses are no longer blooming, but if I went to cut the stems back, I would still find thorns. The thorns would still prick my fingers and make me say, “Ouch!”  

     Thorns are not just seasonal. I suppose that even though I am a Christian, I still carry thorns that will prick from time to time. Christians are not perfect people. I still sin. I still disappoint loved ones and others. I still get pricked with life events. 

     As great as Paul was after his conversion, he still got pricked in life. He had hardships. He was imprisoned, beaten, threatened, stoned, shipwrecked, and robbed. During his trials, he asked God that Satan, his thorn, leave him. God’s answer is found in 2 Corinthians 12, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 

     I have to remember that when I am weak, I am strong in my Lord, Jesus Christ! I can still do amazing work with a “thorn in my side” as long as I have Jesus. 

     I continue to praise God for His Son, Jesus, and for forgiveness of my sin and the courage to carry on in life.