I recently went on a game drive in South Africa and got to see some amazing elephants up close. In my time here in Africa, I have noticed so many bushes and plants covered by thorns. Even beautiful flowering plants that you want to touch, still adorned by thorns.

On the game drive I began thinking of how the animals deal with all the thorns. I thought about them getting scraped and cut on their skin or fur as they walk through the vegetation.

Elephants have thick skin, but even they must get scraped sometimes.

I asked our driver the question, “How do the elephants deal with these plants covered in thorns?”

“They eat them,” he answered.

They eat them? Are you kidding? The more I thought about this, the more it bewildered me.

Instead of the elephants seeing this plant as a problem in their life, or an obstacle, they simply walk up to it and eat it.

The obstacle becomes their opportunity.   It is to their benefit even.

What if we saw life in that way?

What is the plant with thorns in your life?

Is it a task?

Is it a project that has been daunting you, teasing you with anguish?

Is it a goal you have had that you keep avoiding?

The reason things are intimidating to us is because we understand our limitations and weaknesses.

See your weakness; that’s fine. Your real strength is in Jesus, and if you choose to attack this goal on your own, you will most likely struggle through with frustration and probably not succeed. The tasks and goals that God gives us were meant to be a partnership venture with Him. You don’t face this plant with thorns alone.

We have the opportunity to pair with God and say, “I see I am weak here. Would you pour your power and strength into me to accomplish this? I trust that you will enable me to do this because I feel it is a desire from your heart. If you want me to do this, I ask for the grace to look past the thorns and walk on with you, trusting you and going over the hurdles with your power and getting the job done.”

Pairing with God doesn’t mean you will not confront problems, but it means you have a constant ally that can move things in the supernatural to help you in the natural. We serve an amazing God. We can firmly trust in God’s power to help us do the things He has called us to do.

Let’s not limit Him.

Let’s unleash His power and grace in our lives to accomplish the impossible.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. – Proverbs 3:3-8

Be Blessed and be a Blessing!