Today is it! The weather is chilly and clear. The sun will soon be up and I can prune raspberries. When that is done I can move onto the blackberries and prune them. All of this is the beginning blessings of Spring!

Earlier this week one of the guys in our sexual purity groups asked if I felt the lingering effects of my own sexual abuse was my thorn in the flesh as Paul states about his own thorn? I told him I had definitely believed this to be true for me. I had even asked one of my pastors in times past if this could be so? His response was negative stating Paul’s thorn was of his flesh so likely if I had a thorn it wouldn’t be of this nature. All I know is that Paul’s thorn was a horrible torment for him or he wouldn’t have described it as he did. My own torment has been just as he describes so I have believed it. Also, this thorn has been something that keeps me very dependent on Christ Jesus’ mercy and grace. Thus, I’d say again, this is definitely a/my thorn.

A thorn can bring bitterness if one wants to go that direction with it. I did for many years. Yet, humbling myself to become vulnerable and share this thorn, God has made this thorn a tool in His Hands. It is always incredible what God does when we take the step of humility giving Him all rights to our lives. On top of this, He turns what was bitterness into thankful gratitude. Only our God can perform such miracles!