Better to be wounded by the sharpest thorn

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"There was given me a thorn in my flesh!" 2 Corinthians 12:7

Most Christians have some "thorn" which they cannot extract, which is a daily trial, and which wounds deeply and painfully.

If God sends us a thorn—then no one but God can remove it! And if God sends it—it is always sent in love. It is . . .
to prevent some evil, or
to prepare us for some good. 

If it makes us pray,
if it drives us to the Lord's throne, 
if it humbles us in the dust, 
if it endears the promises, 
if it makes us long for heaven, 
if it teaches us deeply our need of Christ
—then it is a great blessing! 

Better to be wounded by the sharpest thorn—than be allowed in ease, health, and prosperity—to wander from the Lord. 

Beloved have you some painful thorn in the flesh—carry it to the Lord. It may be . . .
a sickly body, 
a trying family,
a cross providence, or 
some peculiar temptation; 
but whatever it may be—take it to Jesus, and you will find His grace sufficient for you, and His strength made perfect in your weakness. 

He only pains us—for our good!

Lord, if consistent with Your will,
Oh take this thorn away;
But if for me 'tis needful still
That it should longer stay,
Then patience give, the thorn to bear,
And faith to trust Your love and care!

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