The “Needler” in Halo may not pack the same punch as a shotgun or a rocket launcher, but its’ ordnance is capable of defeating even the most powerful Spartan because of one devastating detail… the needles track and attach themselves to their target and then explode, draining their protective energy shield and leaving the victim vulnerable for a follow-up attack. Getting stuck by one lone needle typically represents a short-term irritation that can be easily shaken off, but there is typically more where that came from… and as the Needler rains down a “death by a thousand cuts”, these small annoyances can quickly turn into a fatal disruption for any of us.

In my life, I’ve found that it isn’t necessarily the big problems that pull me away from the Lord… those tend to push me directly into His arms for His support. Instead, it’s the small, daily irritants of chronic pain, work stress, or household tasks that slowly weaken my connection with Christ and leave me feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable to the most basic of enemy attacks. These needles that serve as “thorns in the flesh” can be easy to underestimate and difficult to appreciate, but we shouldn’t ignore them or resent them. Instead, let’s recognize them as reminders of our need for the Lord’s grace throughout our day… and when a needle hits, let’s stop and recharge our shields.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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