Judges 2: 3 And I have also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; they will become traps for you, and their gods will become snares to you.’”
The Bible tells us that Joshua led the Israelites to the Promised Land. Whilst in the wilderness God gave them the Ten Commandments they were supposed to follow. God fought many battles and conquered many nations for them. But human nature in them kept forgetting what the Lord had done for them. God decided to no longer help them conquer people living in their land so that they will be thorns around them.
When you walk in the area where there are thorns, you will be careful when moving around. But when you walk for a while without coming across any thorns, you forget and focus on whatever you are doing. Until you get pricked by a thorn, which reminds you the situation in your surroundings.
Paul was given a thorn that kept him humbled before God (2 Cor 12:7). The Israelites were forced to remember God because He allowed thorns to trap them. A thorn in the flesh is necessary in order to remind you your /creator. The good news though is that the same God who will allow a thorn in your flesh is with you always. 1 Corinthians 10:13 remind us of God’s love even when we go through trials and temptations. A thorn in the flesh is part of God’s plan, whether from internal or external. Do not ignore it because it is there for a beautiful purpose. What more is important than to get closer to your Creator?
God bless you
Mam Nonto Machi