Recently, I found myself completely sucked in scrolling through a friend’s Instagram profile because of her beautiful flowers. She has an immaculately curated garden with the lushest green leaves, and the most delicate pink roses I’ve seen this side of heaven.

In her pictures, the natural beauty that resulted from her work and dedication shine like a trophy of pure delight. While I, being a follower. can admire from a pristine vantage point, one thing remains unseen; hidden, tucked away from view are the thorns.

Thorns are mentioned often in the Bible as results of curses (Genesis 3:18), comparisons to thriving yielding land (Isaiah 5:5-6, Matthew 7:16), and were heavily used in Jesus’ parables (Matthew 13). Of all the occurrences listed, the one that grieves my heart the most is the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head before He was crucified (John 19:2).

Do you have any thorns?


Friends, you are not alone. Thorns are not lovely, but they have a purpose - to help the roses grow. Your life is a rose in God’s garden, and He will allow some pruning from time to time.

Anyone that cares for roses is familiar with the barbs that are completely linked to their stems. Yet those who would find pleasure in the flowers must also brave the thorns.

So friend, are the thorns worth it? Absolutely! Both in gathering the beauty that comes from the rose and in the salvation that comes from the Savior.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 KJV