Satin and Thorns

With a child-free break and a gift card in hand, I indulged in a shopping trip to my favorite store. I happened upon a very versatile, classy, yet satin dress. Without fully acknowledging who I am and where I would be wearing this dress, I bought it! It was too good to pass up. Even the dressing room attendant was smitten and had to snag the last one for herself. 

My first time wearing this dress was for Easter, where we spent our day on the farm, nestled on acres of woods and trails. Of course, traipsing through the woods was in order. Like any half country girl, half girly girl would do, I hiked up my dress and took off through the tall grass weaved with thorns. All was well until I realized my new dress was now covered in snags. For a moment, my heart sank, until I realized I gathered these snags doing what I love most, being in the woods. This is just what happens when satin meets thorns. 

“ Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them out.” Matthew 13:7.

 “ v. 22  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, proving unfaithful.” 

Thorns are a part of our lives, no exceptions. There are two ways people respond to these thorns.  Jesus referred to thorns as one of the means by which people lose faith. The cares of this world don’t only include riches, but also self, pride, comfort, and selfishness. For many others, it will be anger over injustices. What are the cares of this world to you? For me, it’s love and relationships. 

These snags are a slow fade as the cares of this world, of yourself, start to change who you are. Just as it changed the appearance of my dress, unnoticed at first, and to some, they won’t ever notice. Over time, however, the integrity of the material will break down and the dress will no longer be beautiful.  The cares of this world will slowly change who you are until one day, you realize, you aren’t a person of faith anymore. 

Your best self, living your best life, being genuine to who you are, will encounter thorns. At times, God puts those thorns in your path, in order that you would grow in dependence on Him, creating in you the character desired. 

Which is the second way to deal with your path of thorns.“ So, to keep me from becoming conceited, a thorn was given to me in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Paul prayed to God to remove the thorn three times. God responds, ‘ My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.  

The thorns of life will either take you out or iron you out. 

Dear Reader, If you enjoyed this blog, please consider signing up to receive further content @ http://www.walkingrestored.com

Your support means a lot to me. Thank You!