Steve Bowman
Wounded by a Rose Thorn
Imagine being pricked by a thorn from a rose bush. Think about the pain of a deeply embedded thorn that requires tenderness and skill to remove it.
This imagery reminds us of how complex and wounded we are, and our need to embrace our weakness and God’s grace for ourselves and others.
The World Hates Weakness
“Weakness” is an interesting word. Most cultures and histories look down upon weakness. I think understandably so, for most tasks, tests, competitions, etc., it is better to be strong rather than weak.
We as humans throughout history are good at emphasizing our strengths. That is why we enhance our resumes and during a eulogy, we accentuate the positive. It is easier for us to point out our good and strengths, over our not-so-good characteristics and weaknesses. So much so that often parents, teachers, and coaches teach us to even hate weakness, in ourselves and others!
God’s Children Boast of Weaknesses
In the Holy Bible, God’s words often point out how children of God need to think differently than the way of the world. To choose the narrow path, even though it is more difficult, as it leads to life and only a few will find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the Apostle Paul excellently describes how God wants us to cultivate a new attitude towards our weakness. Paul said, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ”
Not Let Thorns Define Us
Paul’s attitude regarding his major problems was to let the Holy Spirit use him despite his weakness and not let Satan win. Too many people, even Christians, let the thorns and problems of their lives define them.
We all need to cultivate a new attitude of letting God use us in our weakness and even delight in our weakness, insults, hardships, etc. All for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven and to experience God’s perfect power and grace!
God had to humble Paul and bring him to his knees. He needs to do the same for us as well.
Experiencing God’s Grace in Weakness
We all experience times when we feel drained and powerless. For years I tried to power through, using my own strength and wisdom.
Slowly and thankfully the Holy Spirit spoke to me. I realized I needed God. He encouraged me inwardly through His Spirit and outwardly through the helpfulness of my church, family and friends.
I had to let go of my independence and learn to trust God’s sufficiency in my weakness. God’s amazing grace and power are sufficient for me and even made perfect in my weakness! And by His grace, I am even learning to delight in the insults, hardships, and difficulties of life.
This is all for the sake of experiencing His perfect power and for the advancement of His kingdom from heaven to earth. And that is my sincere hope and prayer for CBCGB.
Steve Bowman is the Children’s Ministry pastor at CBCGB.
Edited by Grace Yeung