The Thorn That Makes Us Better
Recently, I watched a video of a NCAA Division I football coach screaming at a player, using every foul word imaginable in an attempt to make a point. The lesson I learned had nothing to do with football. My first thought was, if that is the only way the coach can communicate with players, you have a great deal to learn about leadership.
As leaders, we all wish everyone would do exactly what they are supposed to do at the highest level possible. Reality, however, is much different. Every organization, team, family, and workplace have challenges. There are always situations, people, or circumstances that test our patience and stretch our abilities.
The Apostle Paul called his challenge a “thorn in the flesh.” Three times he asked God to remove it. God’s answer was not removal. God’s answer was grace. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Many of us view thorns as obstacles that prevent success. Perhaps they are opportunities for growth instead. The difficult employee, strained relationship, financial burden, health concern, or workplace challenge may not be intended to defeat us. Often, those situations are designed to develop us.
Too often, we focus our energy on eliminating problems rather than learning from them. Effective leaders ask a different question: “How can I help make this situation better?”
Screaming, anger, and intimidation rarely solve problems. Patience, wisdom, accountability, and grace often do. Without challenges, we may begin believing our success comes solely from our own abilities. Without thorns, we may never learn to depend fully upon God. Hebrews reminds us that we can approach God’s throne of grace for help. Isaiah teaches that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. Philippians reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
The next time a thorn appears in your life, do not simply ask God to remove it. Ask Him what He wants you to learn from it. Frequently, it is through the thorn that God develops the leader He wants us to become.
Thought for the Week, “The challenge you are asking God to remove may be the very tool He is using to strengthen your faith, sharpen your leadership, and deepen your dependence upon His grace.” Ronnie Vinklarek, NFL/UFL Football coaching legend.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.