Transformed through Thorns

This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. —2 Corinthians 4:17

On the days when it seems like all of life is thorny, it helps to keep our eyes on the finish line of heaven and realize we have something worth waiting for. One day, we’ll understand that the worst afflictions we suffered on earth were what Paul called “momentary” and “light.”

They don’t seem that way right now, but we’ll look back and see they were momentary in light of eternity, “not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18). We have a future hope! But how can we deal with our thorns right now?

We need to realize God can transform our thorns into something valuable, useful, and good. He is also able to transform us through our thorns. They’re means of preparing us for a thornless eternity. In fact, it’s impossible for us to be transformed into the likeness of Christ apart from our willingness to wear thorns like our Savior, who was willing for that crown to be pressed into His brow.