[Image credit: Arvind Balaraman]
Most of us are familiar with the expression a thorn in one’s side (or flesh), or a source of irritation. For some, this “thorn” may be a dead-end job. For others, perhaps it’s a debilitating illness. And for several, it could manifest itself as an unfulfilled dream or settling for second best. When I find myself experiencing one of these quote-unquote thorns, I try to do two things. First, I realize while a thorn can cause pain, it’s also a form of protection. For me, this means whatever I’m dealing with at the moment may require me to be protected from harm, proceed with caution, be taught a lesson or granted more understanding. Second, I attempt to work the thorn out from my flesh. I do this by looking for a different job (hypothetically), seeking medical attention or continuing to pursue my dreams. And I know anything I happen to be settling for is simply a temporary set-back — a side-effect of logistics or whatever the case may be. Just a tiny little prick in the scheme of things.
Do you have a thorn in your side; how do you deal with it?
Always The Write Time Blog 
Apr 03, 2012 @ 03:11:40
Another way to look at it is in the Bible. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul speaks to his “thorn in the flesh”. Paul’s process of dealing with this ended in finding it a delight (vs 10b). He asked God to remove it three times and when this did not happen he saw why God allowed this. At first it kept him from conceit (vs 7). Second, he saw that only the God he served and loved rightfully received all the Glory. Lastly, he said in verse 18 “For when I am weak, then I am strong”. His total dependance and trust was in God to give him strength!