I asked the Lord three times to take it away from me. He answered me, “I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people.” I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ’s power in me. I receive joy when I am weak. I receive joy when people talk against me and make it hard for me and try to hurt me and make trouble for me. I receive joy when all these things come to me because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:8-10

This morning I thanked God (again) for revealing Himself in my weakness. I thanked Him for using Paul to demonstrate that truly, anything is forgivable, anyone can be used, and that we will indeed be used and experience joy as we acknowledge Him. We align our will with His, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prior to the above scripture, Paul laments a “thorn” He perceives as weakness. Thankfully, he also notes even the thorn had purpose:

The things God showed me were so great. But to keep me from being too full of pride because of seeing these things, I have been given trouble in my body. It was sent from Satan to hurt me. It keeps me from being proud.

I realize once again this morning that if I’m focusing my prayers, energy, attention, anything relevant, on my lack, my “thorns”, the opportunity cost is time I could be using to actually honor Christ. To DO the Kingdom work. While I’m sure He appreciates me doing my best to walk in His footsteps…I’ve allowed myself to become distracted by what I’m not. Or worse sometimes, what I perceive myself to be.

For years.

This passage serves as a critical reminder today that “thorns” happen. We’re to give thanks in all things, seek to honor Him with our thoughts and actions, but when we focus on thorns, we’re distracted by lack, rather than seeking His purposes and abundance. He has a great adventure planned for us, should we choose to embark.

While avoiding sin is a great idea…let’s shift our perspective going forward. When we get distracted, let’s internalize the purpose the thorns serve: humility. Not shame. We can actually thank Him today for His grace, even and especially, in our failures.

Be at peace today. We’ve been given permission to accept a grace more than sufficient for us, even glorifying our Father in our perceived failure. We remain humble, remembering that despite this vessel’s weaknesses…we are ever so strong. Confident. Purposed. Loved. Worthy. BRIGHT.

Relax today. Seek and you will find. Your thorns don’t disqualify you from the race you’re called to run. Stop looking at them and instead ask Jesus where the starting line is. 😉