THORNS OF ROSES

We are charmed by the grace of roses, but detest the thorns. Yet there’s never a rose without thorns. The thorns defend the rose from intruders, and their pricks inoculate it from infections attracted by its beauty and fragrance. Paul writes: “A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. … I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ … Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Be thankful for your thorns of roses.—SKP