by Diane Brown

David lived a great life of difficulty. In the Psalms he pours his heart out to God and talks of his great distress. Your first impression as you read the first part of a verse might be that David's focus was on the difficulty; yet, as you complete the verse, you see that he has not given up hope: he saw an opportunity to walk with his God in faith and in hope with delight. My soul fainteth for thy salvation:but I hope in thy word. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights (Psalm 119:81,143).

Paul also thought of difficulties as opportunities. While in prison, he wrote to the Philippians: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel (Phil. 1:12).

Paul saw his difficulty as an opportunity to share the gospel. His difficulty was an encouragement to other believers, giving them a confidence and a boldness to share the gospel with others as Paul did (v. 14).

As you walk along your path today will you be able to think beyond each thorny difficulty to what God may be accomplishing in your life and in the lives of those around you? What is the purpose of life's thorns that prevail And prick my flesh until I fail?

Are these thorns so I would the creator cherish;or a seed to help others, through Christ, not to perish? Are these thorns so I would to the Word daily fly; or a reminder to help others praise the God on high?
Are these thorns so I would for grace daily pray; or a way to help others walk the narrow way?

If I trust in God, through these thorns opportunities arise;
And God's purpose will unfold a lovely rose before my eyes.