By Allison Gingras
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints,
for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
~ 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Bible open, heart heavy but hopeful, sitting in a room darkened to calm yet still allow enough light to read. One more straw, one more cross, one more prayer unanswered or delayed. I am indeed feeling weak, my only recourse coming to Jesus, which I know makes me stronger at that moment than Hercules, or if we want to stay biblical, Samson!
These encounters with Jesus fill my heart with such joy. No words can fully express what transpires—intimate, wondrous moments. Jesus feels so close and tangible, all doubts of any kind, for that second, are erased. Fleeting but enough to keep me moving forward in faith. Unseen, yet assured. Wrestling with my thorn, confident in His grace.
The Didache Bible offers a fantastic explanation for verse 12:9: My grace is sufficient.
“Rather than remove the thorn, God allowed Paul to experience redemptive suffering and the strengthening grace necessary to endure his pain for his own purification. The personal experience of suffering should prompt the individual to find strength and solace in the heart of Christ.”
Thorn
We can each name our thorns. We’ve probably all asked, prayed, even begged for their removal. Even if our minds can grasp the importance of redemptive suffering in every Christian life, convincing our hearts of its goodness can take more time.
These illnesses, trials, anxieties remained to keep us connected to Jesus. Reliant. Humble. Awaiting and believing in the good God has for us. Opportunities to experience the power of grace strengthen our faith, just like those fleeting moments of clarity spent in the dim light of our prayer corner.
Beyond Our Strength
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, St. Paul already prepared us with his words, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
While temptation, troubles, and circumstances far beyond our control will always be a part of this world, we can rest assured knowing these light and momentary afflictions prepare our hearts and souls for glory we cannot even begin to comprehend. Moments, not of fleeting explainable joy, but an eternity of intimate, wondrous communion!
Prayer
Jesus, strengthen me with your grace to withstand every weakness until I am with you, forever.
Call to Action
Find a quiet place to sit with the Word of God and let the grace that comes from those words bring you comfort, hope, and strength, in every place you ache.
This is beautiful. And inspiring. And I aspire to find all that you find in the Word of God. Thank you, Allison
Thank you, Carol, I am so grateful for that grace — and pray for you to find it as well!! <3
Thank you for helping me see my “thorn” in a new light. It really has brought me closer to God.
Praise God!! So happy to be His voice in your heart today!!
Thank you Allison for your article! I needed to be reminded, on this Wednesday as my body is entering an unknown territory of “thorns.” I don’t asked for it to be removed but a sign if this is your will and the grace to bear it gracefully. Reading the above is ensuring me I am exactly where Jesus wants me to be! The Lord has me started my Lenten journey early!! What a blessing for me it is!! The Blessed Mother Mary has said to me years ago “I will find joy in my suffering.” How right she is and reinforced with your writing along with St. Paul. God Bless you.
Prayers for healing and strength, my friend. You epitomize the joy found in suffering and unfailing faith in the face of trials!
Once again, Allison, you’ve hit the nail on the head! The nail being the nails that pierced Jesus to the cross. I’m coming to see, that in God’s Providence, all of our thorns, like Jesus’s nails, our for our journey to Heaven. Thank you for these wonderful words of wisdom and the reminder to just keep offering it up! Blessings from Huntsville, Chris
Thank you, Chris, for always taking the time to share how the WINE blogs touch your heart!! That means so much to me, and our volunteer writers!! I am so glad today’s blog touched your heart as much as it did mine!
I needed this today. Thanks so much for this blessing!
My pleasure <3
Thank you Allison! Always beautiful – a great reminder for today.
Thanks, friend!
I have taken a WINE book study walking in his sandles I think it was called at our Church Holy Family Novi 2 years ago so good
Walk in Her Sandals, the one of a kind WINE Lenten Book is fantastic!!! So glad you enjoyed it. Are you joining us for 10 Promises of Jesus this Lent? Hope so !!