Thorn In My Side

©copyright 2004 Bonita M Quesinberry, R.C. 031404

He was one of the devoted Pharisees called Saul,
a man of God with whom I identify named Paul.
He had approved of minister Stephen's stoning death,
threats and slaughter of Christ's disciples on ole Saul's breath:
until the day he set out for Damascus with friends,
where he would arrest and the will of believers bend.

But, the spirit of Jesus caught Saul just outside town:
Saul, frightened beyond measure, fell trembling to the ground.
Then, Paul did absolutely all Jesus commanded;
yet, there would be a heavy price of him demanded.
He was given gifts like the Apostles, greater even;
but, Paul was made a minister in place of Stephen.

Paul suffered ill health, lack of basic needs and distress,
all for Christ's sake, and persecution with no redress.
Three times he begged of our Lord to take these things away:
"My grace is sufficient for thee," Jesus once would say,
"for my strength is made perfect in weakness," He ended.
Paul knew the thorn in his flesh humility tended.

I considered the many sins I did against God
and knew I was no better than Paul, less than wet sod:
yet, eventually He chose my pen for His tongue.
Little did I think more spiritual gifts would come;
then, I received prophecy and interpretation,
followed by teaching it all to this generation.

I thought about the things I'm called for speaking God's Ways,
lies abound, the pain of MS and Lupus most days.
I recall the times I begged for physical relief,
at once to be shown His gifts given for my belief;
so I do understand this thorn to keep me humble.
Oh, but Satan earnestly desires me to tumble.

Thus, much like Paul, I glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may continue upon me;
for when I am weak, then I am strong and turn to Him,
singing His praises and humming that Rugged Cross hymn:
I'm reminded that none of this is what it might seem.
It only means that soon enough my Lord shall redeem.

Acts c.7, 8, 9
II Corinthians 12:7

Meter: 13