A blessing in disguise…
Sometimes what seems like a thorn or burden becomes a training ground for your gift.
Thorns are made from stems, branches deeply rooted in vascular systems.
- It’s made from the vascular tissue of the stem (xylem and phloem) and becomes a rooted, sharp point.
Spines are made from the plant leaves tissue, not the stem tissue.
- The internal vascular part appears on the edges to protect them from pestilence.
Prickles are made from the skin of a plant(epidermis), just the outer layer, which is irregularly arranged and easily removed.
- Roses actually don’t have thorns, though mistaken for them; roses have prickles on the outer surface and are easily removed.
If you’re interested in botany and learning more about thorns, spines, and prickles, click read more or watch the video below for different modes of learning.
Now, combine these views to understand how it manifests physically versus spiritually, in relation to our faith.
“Think prickles” = scratch, blemish, burn.
- Think of prickles as surface physical, emotional, and spiritual discomfort. With patience, prayer (praise, confession, repentance), which is the fruit of sacrifice and obedience, and spending time with God and being immersed in his word (spiritual conditioning). These prickles can be emotions, circumstances, or sin that cause us to stumble, but they fall off when we bring them to the Father. If left unattended, “ swept under the rug” because you think it doesn’t matter, not a big deal, or because of shame, it becomes deeper, turning into a poor healed scar that looks healed on the surface but tender and wounded from improperly healed scar tissue because you didn’t bring it to Jesus.
“Think spines” = Sprains, bruises, clots (soft tissue injuries).
- Think of spines as spiritual weeds that depend on the situation; they can help plants grow. It’s uncomfortable, sore, and just an eyesore in the garden, just like bruises and clots stop the bleeding, and the darker it gets means it heals; it may look a bit unappealing. The same way these scary spines keep creatures away from its leaves, its guard rails.
“Think thorns” = Scars, scar tissue, trauma, core wounds, organ, nerve damage.
- Think thorns of thorns in the flesh, a stronghold plaguing the mind and body, affecting the spirit; though it bears suffering, it also brings humility and the glorifying of Christ. (2 Corinthians 12:6-10).
- If thorns were to burst out of our skin, I imagine a painful pain brings someone to their knees, surrendering. I see the vines come out, wrapping themselves, coiling around our arms, then sprawling around the body like a boa constrictor. The person would be in agony, oppressed by the constriction and the weight of heaviness. It’s not something you can get rid of with ease. It’s long-term, something chronic, sometimes lifelong, just stays in the flesh; it grows worse when unattended. It needs to be cut out, spiritual surgery with the Great Physician and Gardener.
- As believers, we know that this is our cross to bear, as we bear the burdens of Christ’s wounds in our bodies, and by His stripes we are healed, renewed, and transformed. In our thorns, we know the hope set before us because of the One nailed on the cross, wearing a crown of thorns in return for a crown of glory! Hallelujah! (James 1:12)
These prickles can sometimes be mistaken for thorns (e.g., A rose. These mini prickles that seem camouflaged as thorns can lead to a blessing or a blessing awaiting to break through. The testing of our faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-4). Just because it burdens you right now, it’s preparation for your gifts. The enemy tries to hide your anointing from you with distractions so you’ll never step out in your calling, delay the destiny God had for you before you were formed with any thorns, spines, or pricks. Maybe you isolate or have social anxiety when you are called to make disciples or speak publicly, in a season of infertility, or struggle with lust when you’re called to marriage and steward a family, dealing with sickness, and have gifts for deliverance ministry. Not only can the enemy distract you, but also deceive you, making you contemptuous or displeased with the anointing God gave you. You might notice complacency in the calling God gave you to lead, serve, or intercede for others. Becoming annoyed and resentful of being the one to do so, and it burdens you, leaving you burnt out when we’re supposed to be faithful stewards of everything the Lord gives us.
I would have never thought the things I went through were the hand of God divinely orchestrating my gifts (Romans 8:28), even though my thorns or spines are there, the Lord doesn’t look at the outward appearance; he looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). If I were to tell you what I have or seasons I’ve been through, your human eyes would have seen fault, thought I was lying, or looking for attention, or misdiagnosed. Once in our glorified bodies, none of that won’t matter anymore. If you remain faithful, loving, willing unto the Lord and allow him to use you despite thorns or spines in your flesh and let it not blind you, then how will you receive what you’re praying for, how will you receive what God has for you? If you want life to be all good, talk to him when you’re done in fairytale lala land and face reality. It’s your choice. (Job 2:10)
1. How does the Lord speak to you and get your attention? (Do you notice a change depending on the season of faith you’re in?)
2. God is a personal God. Does He teach you through your interests, environments, people, or scripture?
3. Does he show you through hearing, feeling, seeing, and thinking?
4. How do you confirm it’s from God, not your conscience or something else?
If you are led, you can leave a comment under the post or send a private email to [email protected].