Finding Your Thorns

A Testimonial Devotional

What are my thorns? What are my “icks”? What makes me impatient or angry to a point where I don’t think about my subsequent actions?

In the Bible, Paul explains that we as followers of Christ are going to have troubles and issues. But we don’t have to stay there. Because Jesus promises that He is all that we ever need.

Thorns are inevitable, because they are made by Satan to irritate and discourage us. But they are also shaped and used by God to remind us of our dependence on Him. By recognizing our dependence, we recognize that God is in control and are able to overcome any disturbance that comes our way.

My Testimony

            Around October of last year, I joined a study group with 2 other girls from my school. Let’s call them A and B. Though there was no book or theme we chose to study, we all agreed to study the theme of Exile at the suggestion of A. A then mentioned her reason for studying Exile—she wanted to study the prophet Daniel and his journey through Babylon. I suggested that if A felt the need to study the book of Daniel, then we could pivot and study it. (When it comes to my Bible study, I usually follow a Bible plan or something that has fell on my spirit).

            Once I suggested the pivot, A immediately wanted me to sort of call the shots regarding the Bible study, and honestly, I felt completely awkward. I did not want to overtake the Bible study in anyway. The whole point of Bible study is the community aspect—keep everything as equal as possible. And after B stated that she would be fine with studying Daniel instead, A agreed.

But A then suggested still doing the Exile study. So, this is where I got annoyed. I am not a people pleaser. I used to be, and it was not fun. And I absolutely dislike indecisiveness. This situation was overwhelming for me, because I felt as if God had finally answered my prayer in finding a study group with people my age. I’m usually quick to move on from the unanswered prayers, but this time I really wanted to commit to God and believe in Him for it. So when this hiccup happened, I just really wanted to give up. Because I really wanted this group to work. I prayed for clarity, for peace, and to know what to say to both A and B. And God reminded me of 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Unfortunately, I do not study with A or B anymore. And I have not spoken to them since the beginning of May. But that is alright, because we have discussed things since then and are on the same page regarding the study group. I prayed and repented, and if God wills for us to be together again, it will be a happy reunion. But I have no intention of doing something just because it seems good. Being in this study group taught me about myself, and what really irritates me. And that’s a grateful experience. Because learning more about myself helps me to learn more about relying on God. I was able to really reflect on how I act as a person, and that allowed me to be honest with A and B, to apologize, and to come to a common ground.

The thorns given to us are out of our control, but we can control how we react. We can lash out, be petty, or we can try to let it go and give it to God. When we choose the latter, His grace is there waiting for us.

God bless!

-Sherry Amor