Crown of Thorns

Jesus carried his cross until he gave out in exhaustion. When He arrived at the place of his crucifixion Matthew tells us they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, King of the Jews!" they said. This was done to cause him pain and to mock his claims of authority.

While in the Holy Land we walked the way of the cross and saw where the crown of thorns was placed on Jesus' head, I thought about the thorns in my life. Maybe our thorns show how our afflictions can be the tool God uses to make us like Jesus.

I am reminded of the thorn of having to make a major decision this last year. A decision I would have never thought I would have to make. I wrestled with God. I cried and begged Him to find another way but then I was reminded of the disciples and what they had to give up to go with Him. They gave up everything and followed Him. God proved Himself faithful beyond belief!

God has shown Mike and I that we were obedient and He has blessed us for our decision. As I love to say, He gives us all that we need and so much more!

Jesus is still in the healing business whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Let God use the thorns in your life and turn them into a bouquet of sweet smelling roses!

What thorns in your life are you still carrying?