Dance of Life

In your Weakness

This thorn in my side

It pokes at me constantly.
Pokes right into my side.
It wasn't a big thing....
At first.

It began as a tickle
A light touch I could ignore.
Then it grew into irritation....
Then came the pain.

Now it keeps me awake
At night
And paranoid during the day
That I am awake.

Of God, please take
It away!
This pain
It keeps digging!

Will I make it
Another day like this?!
With this constant reminder
Making its home in my flesh!

My body throbs
Convulsing in the pain
That explodes all over
Turning my dreams into nightmares.

Oh God,
I asked You,
I begged on my knees
For You to take this pain away.

But You never do
And then I cried
Asking in anguish...
"Why must I go through this?"

"I ain't going to make it!
I'm going to die!
I'm falling....
Oh God don't let me go please!"

Silence.
Impending silence until I'm
At my limit, breaking.
Then....I hear a something.

It's a whisper.
A gentle hug as I cry
With my head bowed
And my knees bent.

"Keep going little one.
Don't give up for I never left you.
You're not falling for my hand
Has not lost its power."

My heart beats hotly
And it takes my whole strength
Just to keep breathing
As You continue to speak to me.

I feel the hug tighten
And my spirit stills.
For a moment, the pain recedes
As I caught in Your awe and wonder.

"This thorn, I will use for good
Though it's intentions are ill.
It will humble you
Strengthen you
And teach you to follow me.

Through this pain
You will see my wonders
And know that I alone am
God
And I alone can make the simple
Shame the wise of this world.

This thorn in your side
Will teach you to trust me,
Lean on me.
Look at me!

Do you trust me
my child?
Can you believe that I make
All things work together for the
Good of those who love me.

Can you be still
And wait patiently
For me to perform the miracles
I promised you long before you were
Ever born?

Do not be afraid.
Do not be discouraged.
Remember....
My power works best
In your weaknesses."