Heart Soul and Might

Between Two Worlds posted a great poem that I thought I’d pass along. This gives good perspective to life’s challenges…

The Thorn

I stood a mendicant* of God before His royal throne
And begged Him for a priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, “But Lord, this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift that Thou hast given me.
He said, “My child, I give good gifts and give my best to thee.”
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore;
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added Grace.
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

“The Thorn,” by Martha Snell Nicholson

* “mendicant”= beggar

HT: Justin Taylor

John Piper wrote this article on the eve of his surgery for prostate cancer this week. Everyone responds to suffering differently, and I thought this was an interesting perspective given his circumstances… He certainly has a very high view of God’s sovereignty, which is no surprise if you’re familiar with his writing. This article powerfully shows that he lives what we teaches, and although some will not agree with him theologically, one cannot argue with the faith he holds to God’s sovereign purposes in everything - even cancer. The surgery was successful and John is recovering well from what I’ve read. Let’s pray for his complete healing and recovery in the coming days and weeks.

Lord, I pray that I would have this spirit of faith and trust in Your divine purposes no matter what agent of suffering comes my way. May I cherish Christ to such a degree that, no matter the pain, disillusionment or suffering, I would place implicit trust in Your eternal purposes - to build Your kingdom, edify Your Church, and glorify Your great name.

(HT: Between Two Worlds)