What’s Your Thorn?
- Amy Brown
- Aug 6, 2024
- 2 min read
“Mom friends, here’s the truth: God’s grace is enough, abundant, satisfying, sufficient… even in our waiting.”
“But he said to me, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Waiting.
Waiting for a positive pregnancy test.
Waiting for a birth mom to pick you.
Waiting for a health issue to be healed.
Waiting for a sibling to break free from mental illness.
Waiting for a child to return to the Lord.
Waiting.
Paul understood waiting. Paul experienced a thorn in his flesh, a thorn that crippled his enjoyment of life. Paul does not share specifics about his thorn. However, scholars suggest the “thorn” is a constant temptation or a health condition, such as an ophthalmic disorder or epilepsy. Whatever it is, it is clear Paul is waiting… waiting for the Lord to relieve him.
Us too, Paul, us too.
As I sat to record the podcast episode “God in the Waiting” with Tiffany Fulk, she shared the joy of not knowing specifics of Paul’s thorn. Here is why: “The very anonymity of this particular affliction has been productive of far wider blessing than it would have been the case had it been possible to identify the specific nature of the disability” (The Message of 2 Corinthians by Paul Barnett). You see, if we knew Paul’s specific thorn, it would limit our ability to place our own “thorn” in Paul’s story.
Our thorn of sadness due to an unmet desire of expanding the family.
Our thorn of pain from ongoing physical health conditions.
Our thorn of brokenness left by mental disorders.
Our thorn of heartache while watching a child make poor decisions.
Our thorn… Paul’s thorn… we plead… Paul pled.
Here’s what God says in response to Paul’s pleading… "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (v. 9).
Mom friends, here’s the truth: God’s grace is enough, abundant, satisfying, sufficient… even in our waiting.
Action Steps:
Are you in a season of waiting? If so, remind yourself of God’s grace and ultimate act of love by reading through one of the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.
Read:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your extravagant love and for clothing me in grace. As I’m in a season of waiting, remind me of Your faithfulness. Help me to take eyes off my situation and to look up to You, Lord. I trust You and know Your will and timing is perfect. Thank You for loving me despite my complaining while I wait. In Your loving name, Amen.
Written by Amy, mom of 2
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To listen to our podcast episode "God In The Waiting with Tiffany Fulk", Click HERE.