“To keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Scientists say the primary purpose of the thorns is to protect the plant from herbivores and other animals that might try to eat the rose's stems and leaves. The thorns make the plant more difficult to grasp or chew, thus discouraging animals from consuming it the sweet-smelling treats.
Additionally, the thorns can help the plant climb or anchor itself to surrounding vegetation for better access to sunlight. Thorns help roses to thrive in certain environments.
Because of our aversion to pain, we humans have made hybrid roses without thorns. Thornless roses work fine in domesticated and protected gardens, but in the wild, their future is bleak.
Could it be that “thorns” in our lives- those prickly circumstances and adversities-serve to protect us like thorns protect a rose?
The history of Christianity demonstrates that most Christ-followers must anchor close to God in ways they do not otherwise in thornless situations. We may cry out for a thornless life, but could it lead us to a place of independence and self-sufficiency? Perhaps we should thank God even for the thorns in our lives.
