There was once a godly woman who lived in my little town. She was twice widowed and confined to a wheelchair, yet had the sweetest Christian spirit.
Most days, Mrs. Frieda never ventured outside her home, but friends lined up to see her or called her on the phone. People flocked to this dear sister because she had the “Peace that passes all understanding” ( Philippians 4:7).
Most of us can probably think of a fellow believer who stayed grateful to God despite challenging circumstances. There’s something extra special about the unshakeable faith of God’s holiest servants.
So what’s the secret?
I never asked Mrs. Freida, but she surely would have pointed me to biblical passages such as Colossians 3:1-3, about the life that is “hidden with Christ in God,” or Psalm 91:1 where David rested in the “shadow of the Almighty.”
Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
Jesus- John 15:4 (NIV)
If other followers of Christ kept faith in God–no matter what–then you and I can too! We have the same resources available to us as the Apostle Paul, who thanked God for his “thorn in the flesh.”
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Paul- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Kind reader, any experience which draws us closer to God is a good thing. By His grace may we say in our frailty, “Lord, thank you for this thorn!”
🙏❤️
Portions of this post first appeared as This Thorn, on February 17, 2021.
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
50 responses to “Thankful for Thorns”
Thank you, Beth. As I wrote those words I thought of some difficult things I’ve gone through that ended up helping me grow in Christ. At the time, I said, “God, this is no good.” But He knew better. I always appreciate your contributions! God Bless!
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Thank you David for sharing Mrs. Freida’s legacy of gratitude. Your paraphrase of Paul’s words in Corinthians resonated greatly -“Kind reader, any experience which draws us closer to God is a good thing. By His grace may we say in our frailty, “Lord, thank you for this thorn!”
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I agree. My parents were both born during the Great Depression.
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I think it’s a generational thing. I like honesty.
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Agreed, Gary. Though many of them are gone, their faith and example still influence.
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That’s a good verse to go with my post. Thanks, Betty. Sorry, I a little behind in catching up with comments.
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I’m still practicing too, Crystal. Both my parents were more stoic than I tend to be.
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Yes. Personal crises often lead to personal growth. I can’t say that I’ve learned to like it, but it’s better than not growing, I suppose. 🙃
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Amen, sister!
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Hiding is Christ is the best place!
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The thorns do draw us closer to our Lord. I heard a sermon recently and he talked about how God uses difficult circumstances to work out something good.
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Thanks David
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I’ll remember that from now on, Eileen. Thank you. I hope you enjoy your day as well.
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My first name is Eileen and enjoy your day with your family
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True indeed, eguyadeen. Happy Thanksgiving to you , as well. God Bless!
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Yes. Christ is the Author and perfecter of our faith. His
finest servants Simply point the way to the cross. Thank you for stopping by. God bless, and happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
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A beautiful reminder that whatever we are going through Christ gives us enough grace to carry us through. Happy Thanksgiving
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Thorns really sting! Mrs. Frieda sounds like an inspiration. Faith in the finished work of Jesus who took the crown of thorns for us, with forgiveness coming from his lips gives us quite an example! Thank you for this thought provoking post. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, David!
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Amen. Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!
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Those of us who have known or met people like that sure cherish their example. Those who have become diamonds. Precious people.
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Being thankful in all things is a hard lesson for us but it is where we draw strength from the Lord. It says we believe him to be faithful.
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I feel the same, Manette Kay. It reminds me of the saying, “Don’t try to copy what your heroes did, but seek what they sought.” Of course, Jesus Christ is the biggest hero ever. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving. As you say, “Jehovah Bless you.”
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David, I find stories/testimonies such as the one you shared about Mrs. Frieda encouraging. It stirs a deeper desire in me to want to exude that type of peace all day every day. God bless you.
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Thank you for the reblog, Lily. God Bless!
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Reblogged this on thankful.
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We’ve been blessed to have friends like that, too, Pastor Pete. These are the kind of dear brothers and sisters where every conversation you have with them has something to do with Jesus. Happy Thanksgiving to you, as well!
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We have had a few of these kinds of friends and they are now a part of our treasure in heaven. I am so grateful for the stories they passed along and the memories I hold of their faith. Happy Thanksgiving Dave.
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I was in full time ministry for 14 years, but switched to teaching—after going through a divorce in 2001.
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Happy Thanksgiving bro!
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I thought you pastored a church!
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Thanks, BG. I haven’t been called “pastor” in awhile. It made me smile. 😀
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God has a way of working things out! So glad to have your acquaintance Pastor Dave!
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Philippians 4:6-7 were favorites of my mother. She was the epitome of peace. I’m still practicing. 🙏🏻
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Thanks, BG. I read your post and saw the similarities. God Bless, brother. You are a survivor!
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This Post inspired my latest blog “Thankful For The Scars!”
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David, this post reminds me of Romans 5:3 ” …suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. …” To witness someone who embodies this is a wonderful testament to the power of faith and God.
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Oh goodness, I love the Hemingway quote! 😭
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Good point, Matt. This side of heaven, everything is temporary.
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Amen! “They figured out how to lean.” The song you mentioned goes perfectly with this post. One of my favorite Hemingway quotes says, “The world breaks everyone and afterward some are strong at the broken places.” May this be true for us. God Bless!
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What a beautiful reminder, David! All the way around – the value of thorns, and that we can use the same amazing resources as those sweet souls who’ve figured out how to lean. Reminds of the old song, “Learning to Lean (on Jesus).”
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Since Jesus wore a crown of thorns, I can accept thorns in this life knowing it is temporary
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I can think of a less polite version of your belly button analogy 😉
Thanks David 😁
Andy B
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And to know the source of their strength.
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Yes wonderful to meet saints of this calibre.
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This is inspiring, brother! George could easily stay home and rest; no one would blame him for missing outreach meetings. But there he is—proving God’s strength is perfect. May we do the same! Blessings. 🏴
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A wise person once said, “Our struggles are a bit like belly buttons, everybody has one and they’re all different.” 🙏May God continue to guide and guard the Berry Bunch. 🇬🇧
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Amen, Bridget. Yes, it’s worth it, because God never leaves our side. Blessings!
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A lovely meditation David. It reminds me of a story I heard on Sunday at church about an old man named George who struggled badly with mobility issues, walking with two sticks. Yet he attended his churches outreach gospel meetings taking folk with him. He saw one neighbour of his give his life to Jesus, on which he said, “isn’t it amazing what God can do with an old cripple like me!” That story really touched my heart as did your post today brother, God bless you today.
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Amen indeed.
Timely – thank you David.
Andy B
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Thank you for this reminder, David! Thorns are painful in the moment. But if they help us to lean on Jesus, then the end results are well worth it. 🙏
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