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Though I never really thought much about the purpose of thorns (in my opinion, they’re kinda like mosquitoes, flies, ants, etc.), I know they’re a part of life…for flowers and for people. A quick internet search informed me that plants use thorns for protection – to prevent being crushed, walked on, or eaten. In that aspect, I guess they’re not that different from people, eh? 🙂 LOL

A couple of months ago, I took a morning walk and saw a huge and magnificent rosebush. Since I pass by it at least twice a day when driving, I decided to take a closer look. When I stooped closer to inspect the blooms, I was surprised to see a tangle of thorns at the base. Needless to say, I didn’t extend my hand to touch the pretty roses – they were certainly well-protected!

Consider the possibility that something you deem to be a thorn is functioning – unbeknownst to you – for your protection. A gift in disguise at work on your behalf. God extending His grace and strength to you in the midst of tough and painful situations and circumstances. I can definitely see it – can you? Beauty emerges around, in close proximity to, and in spite of our THORNS.

“7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,
that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
(II Corinthians 12:7-10)

© Copyright 2019 by Kayren J. Cathcart