A Message of Hope amongst the Thorns
 | Author:
Ellie West, Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy
Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
A Message of Hope amongst the Thorns Ellie West Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy A thorn in the flesh is sometimes described as a persistent problem we can’t seem to resolve. It can be anything - a relationship, persecution, an experience, a trauma, or a job we are stuck in.
Where did the phrase, "a thorn in the flesh” originate that is often used in our modern-day lives? It originated in the New Testament writings of Paul. His weaknesses, insults, hardships, and all the earthly discomforts he experienced made him look to God for strength.
When I think about a “thorn”, I think about prickly and razor-sharp points. We have a few Barberry bushes in our garden, and I genuinely dislike them - as do the deer, which is why we planted some. When we trim the bushes for the spring and fall seasons, the thorns will sometimes cut as it penetrates the skin, even when wearing gloves. Our internal pain can be as sharp as our external pain.
Although Paul's writings do not specify the thorn, one can only assume that whatever he described was very painful. There are many different theories on what the thorn may have been in Paul’s life. I remember my Dad telling me that he considered the “thorn” was a bad relationship, and it could have been, but regardless of what it was, it caused Paul great pain as he endured extreme suffering.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul pleads with God three times to remove the “thorn”. God chooses not to remove the thorn but instead answers him, saying, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” Paul then celebrates his weaknesses and is no longer defeated by his weakness but delighted. Paul realizes that the thorn was there to keep him humble and not arrogant.
When Paul felt weakness, mistreatment, and persecution, he could endure because of his love for God…it made him stronger. He was filled with hope despite the pain.
We all have thorns, and they are neither comfortable nor pleasant. But, they can push us towards hope. In doing so, they offer us a benefit, a lesson to be learned. They help us grow, and in finding hope, we find one of life’s greatest treasures.
Hope is more than a virtue or an outlook. It is a belief that things will get better, that you can overcome obstacles, and that God is in control. Paul’s thorn in the flesh may have been difficult to bear at times, but it ultimately brought him closer to God and gave him the strength to endure. In the same way, the thorns in your life can strengthen you if you choose to look to God for help and hope.
Remember that hope is not just a feeling but an action. Take steps towards your goals, no matter how small they may be. Each step is a victory, bringing you closer to your dreams. Have faith in yourself and your abilities, and trust that things will work out in your favor.
In times of uncertainty, hope is what keeps you going. It gives you the courage to face your fears and overcome your obstacles. So, never lose hope, and always believe that better things are yet to come.
The gloomy days will soon pass, and a new chapter is yet to be written. Take three deep breaths, and as you do, release any tension or negative thought that comes to mind.
Replace those thoughts with hope, optimism, and positivity. Visualize yourself achieving your dreams, and focus on the possibilities instead of the limitations. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
Focus instead on what you are hoping for. Picture it in your mind; see it as if it has already happened. Believe it with every fiber of your being, and have faith that it will come to fruition.
Remember, hope is a choice. It is choosing to believe that there is good ahead, even in the midst of difficulty and despair. It is choosing to hold on to something greater than yourself and trust in life's process.
So, embrace your life's thorns, knowing they are there to help you grow and strengthen you. And in doing so, choose hope, and allow it to guide you toward a brighter future.
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. ~Samual Smiles
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