THORNS

I just read Jenny Wimms latest report on Brad, a brother loved by many who is facing very serious health threats. "Thorns" are every where in this world of God's. They come in various intensities and sometimes last long, sometimes short lengths of time. Whatever kind of thorn we get, or face, it is serious and personal. Thorns are often difficult to extract and sometimes terminal. They are however part of this world which is no longer a paradise but a place marked by sin. That does not mean sin causes thorns (even though that can happen)it means thorns arrive because we live in a "groaning" world" as Paul said in Romans. Often thorns leave us without explanation and perhaps anger and discouragement. At these times what is left except faith and prayer. Years ago a friend of mine got stuck with cancer. His prayer in the process was to face it with faith. He said that was all he knew to say. Faith, that which sustains when thorns run deep, hurt badly and leave us weakened, not knowing what to do. Faith is not a small thing it is the only thing often when thorns persist and will not pull out.So we pray and ask God for help and strength and faith itself to face the unfaceable. That may not seem like much but it is all there is and it will be a lot when the final chapter is written on us all.