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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Confused (08/16/07)
THE THORN
(II Cor. 12:1-10)

Three (or was it 3,000) times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away. The thorn, sharper than nails, remained embedded in my flesh. A 20-year battle with depression, coupled with the recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, overwhelmed me to the point of despair. Certainly the same God who had given sight to the blind, caused the lame to dance, and raised the dead to life, was able to work just one more miracle - MINE.

“Lord, please, please, PLEASE take away this thorn!” Paul’s pleas for relief erupted from the depths of his soul. His voice, the despair so familiar, gripped my heart. I sensed within him a kindred spirit. Someone truly understood my anguish. I pondered whether I should share our commonality or grant Paul privacy. After all, such personal pain might resent an uninvited guest. Summoning an inner courage, I resolved to introduce myself. “My name is Dawn”, I expelled in a mousy squeak. “I, too, have a thorn in the flesh.”

Tears welled in his eyes, a reflecting pool of the compassion in his heart. I pondered if perhaps he harbored the same confusion regarding pain and unanswered prayer.

“Have you asked the Lord to remove it?” Paul inquired tenderly. “Absolutely!” Dawn’s unequivocal reply was wrought with faith. However, her bowed head belied her confidence. She attempted, in vain, to veil her disappointment in God’s delayed response.

Moments passed as they walked together in reflective silence. God’s presence was manifest through the rustling of the leaves. Indeed, they were not alone.

Paul, after prayerfully considering his next words, posed a question. “May I share something with you?” Dawn, recognizing Paul as a man of God, welcomed his insights. “Yes, please, continue”, she replied. “I once had questions, very similar to yours.” Paul spoke with such tenderness, not a hint of condemnation in his voice. “I longed for the Lord to hear my cries and heed my request. Certainly such pain could only be from Satan, a vile tactic of discouragement and despair.” Dawn nodded in agreement, “Yes! Yes! You read my mind.” Paul smiled and continued his story.

“Once upon a time (whether in body or out, I do not recall), I received an answer to my questions.” Paul continued. “It was not the answer I expected, or even wanted, but it was an answer of hope.” Dawn, desperate for hope of her own, listened intently.

“My grace is sufficient for you, Paul.” The voice, strong with authority, yet gentle with compassion, called me by name. Jesus called ME by name. “I know you feel weary and weak, but My power is perfected through your weakness. Therefore, be thankful, press on, and glorify Me.” Then He was gone.

The alarm blared. Dawn sprung from her bed, disoriented, peering through the curtains to determine the time of day. Whether it was a dream or reality, she was not sure. Thorn intact, she departed for work, determined to glorify God the rest of her days.
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This article has been read 961 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jacquelyn Horne
08/23/07
Wonderful story. We can all learn from Paul. It's hard to understand our trials sometimes, but Jesus never leaves us alone in them.
Jan Ackerson
08/23/07
I love the idea of having a contemporary woman conversing with Paul about their "thorns." Very creative.

I was confused a bit at the beginning, though, and it took me several paragraphs to figure out what was going on. And I'd strongly encourage you to avoid the "dream" scenario; there are far more creative ways to resolve a story.

Your writing is quirky and interesting, and this piece is definitely worth a second look.
Maridee Sellarole
08/24/07
I enjoyed your story - the perspective became confused between the beginning and the end; be careful with that. Nice job.
Pawel Spencer
08/24/07
This was nicely done- I have wondered about Paul's thorn too, the big theologian guys often say it was a physical ailment, but I wonder if you might be closer to the truth.
I also liked how you pointed out that we usually look at our afflictions as if they are from the devil. But what if they are from God? Are we going to whine and complain before the One who asked us to do this work for Him?
Thank's for your thoughts...
Donna Powers
08/26/07
This is very real and well told. I love the last line; that is one that many of us can relate to. I enjoyed how Dawn learned from Paul, and wondered if her name is meant to be symbolic. Either way, it is a good story.
Fay Lamb
08/27/07
I understood the scenario and think it very creative. However, switching from first person point of view to third person caught me off guard. It distracted me from the rest of your work which, up until that point, had be wrapped up completely in your story.
Kelli Young
08/29/07
Your piece was able to take a common Biblical passage and personalize it in way to minister to many hearts. I know that there is not a one of us who could not relate to "The Thorn." Good job!