A thought by Charles R. Swindall, from his book, What if…God Has Other Plans?: Finding Hope When Life Throws You the Unexpected (p. 152). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
In our lives, there may be many thorns.
Charles says, “Focusing your thoughts beyond your present situation stimulates fresh hope in what is yet to come. Instead of staring at the current thorns, focus on the ultimate fragrance. Hope is like the fragrance from blooms on a rosebush. Suddenly you’ll be enveloped in that fragrance, and the aroma will diminish your anguish. You’ll rarely even notice the thorns because you’re so enamored by the beautiful smell all around you.”
He goes on, “Few virtues are more encouraging than hope. Consider these uplifting words from someone who learned to focus on the Lord rather than the struggle of human limitation: ‘Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.’ HEBREWS 12:1-2”
Charles continues, “Perhaps the weight you need to strip off in order to run your race of faith with endurance is the bitterness you harbor toward God because of your thorn in the flesh. Are you angry with Him for allowing your disability or for giving you a child who struggles with depression? Have you allowed that bitterness to fester and intensify? Three single-syllable words can rescue and relieve you: let it go.
“Isn’t it time you rid yourself of the bitterness, anger, caustic comments, and self-serving attitude that have held you hostage for too many years? Instead of focusing on your thorns, allow the fragrance that emanates from the hope you have in Christ to wash over you. Embrace your struggle as a gift from God…”
He then says, “I urge you to accept what has happened, to see the challenges of your circumstances through a renewed perspective. The Lord can bring healing. He can deliver you from the harsh wilderness of bitterness you’ve wandered in for too long.
“Whatever your struggle, accept it as a gift of grace from the Lord’s hand. See it not as an enemy but as a friend to bring you to a place of humility and beauty, to that place where you can blossom like a rose in a world that’s longing for the message you can model. Release your grip on your plans for your life. Set aside your will. Deliberately let it go. Then watch the Lord display His grace and power through you. You will be amazed!”
Would you release your grip on your plans and then watch the Lord display His grace and power through you? Would you do that?
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