God Given Thorns

Shared by Sue

Strange gift indeed – a thorn to prick,
To pierce unto the very quick,
To cause perpetual sense of pain;
Strange gift! And yet, was given for gain.

Unwelcome, but it came to stay;
Nor could it e’en be prayed away.
It came to fill its God-planned place –
A life-enriching means of grace.

O much-tried soul, with fainting heart,
The thorn with its abiding smart,
With al its wearing, ceaseless pain,
Can be the means of priceless gain.

And so whate’er thy thorn may be,
From God accept it willingly;
But recon Christ, His life, His power,
To keep thee in the trying hour.

And sure – thy life will richer grow;
His grace sufficient will bestow;
And in heaven’s morn thy joy will be
That by this thorn He strengthened thee.