Nov 12 2008
Why Thorn in my side?
In II Corinthians 12: 7-10, the apostle, Paul, speaks about the “thorn in his side or in his flesh”, depending on the translation you are reading. The definition of thorn in that context is a pain, suffering or physical infirmity. We all have thorns in our flesh! Some of us have more than one.
My biggest thorn is multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed with MS in January of this year and the journey through a new chapter of life, that is filled with doctors, opinions, chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, etc. has become an adventure.
When we are faced with a thorn in our side, we can fight it, we can ask God to remove it or we can embrace it and figure out what we are supposed to be learning from it. That is where I am at right now. What am I supposed to learn from this? How can I help others through my experiences with a chronic and sometimes invisible illness? How can I be strong enough in my faith to remember that God’s grace is sufficient for me, just like He promised Paul?
This blog is my journal of that journey. Please join me!
One Response to “Why Thorn in my side?”
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Those thorns in the side come in many forms, not all of which are physical.
I have a friend with MS, and while he and I both walk with forearm crutches and joke about roller skating, he must deal with far more pain and frustration than I ever will. I have CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) which is related to MS in that it’s the same kind of nerve sheath degeneration. However, MS affects central nerves and CMT affects peripheral nerves.
We both thank God that we’re still alive, still have awesome families, are still able to contribute to the world around us, etc. Life goes on, and we’re still happier than most of the “non-disabled” people I’ve ever met. I hope you find your way there.
Life is still fun. Enjoy it.